Brain-cancer interactions outside the CNS

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Emerging research indicates the central nervous system (CNS) regulates peripheral tumor progression.
• Neural, neuroendocrine, and immune pathways link the brain to tumor biology.
• Direct evidence for brain involvement in tumor initiation is limited, but brain-periphery circuits are being identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current findings on brain-periphery neural networks in cancer.
• To discuss how tumor burden affects brain activity and vice versa.
• To explore the translational potential of targeting brain-tumor circuits for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on neural regulation of peripheral tumors.
• Analysis of studies using retrograde tracing to identify brain-tumor circuits.
• Synthesis of findings across multiple cancer types.

Main Results:

• Specific brain regions are anatomically and functionally connected to peripheral solid tumors.
• These circuits modulate tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment, and systemic processes.
• Tumor burden can induce emotional and cognitive disturbances by altering brain activity.

Conclusions:

• Bidirectional communication exists between the brain and peripheral tumors.
• Targeting brain-tumor circuits via neuromodulation, behavioral, and lifestyle interventions shows translational potential.
• Understanding these circuits opens avenues for systemic, integrative cancer therapies.