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Vagus nerve and cancer symptom science
Aynur Aktas1, Dori Beeler2, Jake Waldman2
1Department of Supportive Oncology, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA aynur.aktas@atriumhealth.org.
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
|May 2, 2025
Summary
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) shows promise for managing cancer symptoms. This neuromodulation technique, already used for other conditions, could significantly improve supportive oncology care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cancer patients frequently experience multiple symptoms due to disease and treatment side effects.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) influences physiological processes relevant to cancer symptom management.
- VNS is an established therapy for conditions like epilepsy, depression, and migraines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential application of Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in supportive oncology.
- To highlight the relevance of VNS's physiological effects for cancer-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on VNS efficacy in non-cancer conditions.
- Analysis of VNS's physiological mechanisms and their relation to cancer symptoms.
Main Results:
- VNS has demonstrated efficacy in treating various neurological and mood disorders.
- The physiological effects of VNS align with pathways implicated in cancer symptom burden.
Conclusions:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents a promising, evidence-based therapeutic option for supportive oncology.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to establish VNS in cancer care.
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