Depression, Cancer, Inflammation, and Endogenous Opioids: Pathogenic Relationships and Therapeutic Options
Jennifer Hancock1, Cristian Sirbu2, Patrick L Kerr3
1Center for Cancer Research, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV, USA. jennifer.j.hancock@wv.gov.
Abstract:
Endogenous opioids and their associated receptors form a system that maintains survival by positively reinforcing behaviors that are vital to life. Cancer and cancer treatment side effects capitalize on this system pathogenically, leading to maladaptive biological responses (e.g., inflammation), as well as cognitive and emotional consequences, most notably depression. Psychologists who treat people with cancer frequently find depression to be a primary target for intervention. However, in people with cancer, the etiology of depression is unique and complex. This complexity necessitates that psycho-oncologists have a fundamental working knowledge of the biological substrates that underlie depression/cancer comorbidity. Building on other chapters in this volume pertaining to cancer and endogenous opioids, this chapter focuses on the clinical applications of basic scientific findings.
More Related Videos
07:58Behavioral and Network Pharmacology-Based Analyses for the Traditional Mongolian Medicine Zadi-5 in a Rat Model of Depression
Published on: February 24, 2023
09:29Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Analgesia and Pain Management
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
