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Rethinking relief: Targeting sensory neurons to combat cancer and pain
Brian M Davis1, Lisa A McIlvried1, Jami L Saloman1
1Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer pain is a complex problem that, when left unaddressed, can impact overall survival and decrease patients' quality of life. Collaboration among medical oncologists, immunologists, and neurobiologists in the cancer neuroscience field has recently revealed a pivotal role for the sensory nervous system in cancer progression. We highlight recent scientific findings suggesting that selection of appropriate analgesics should consider not only their efficacy in reducing pain but also their potential to influence anti-tumor immunity and subsequent responses to immunotherapy.
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