Abstract
The development and progression of cancer depends on both tumor micro- and macroenvironments. In addition, psychosocial and spiritual “environments” might also affect cancer. It has been found that the nervous system, via neural and humoral pathways, significantly modulates processes related to cancer at the level of the tumor micro- and macroenvironments. The nervous system also mediates the effects of psychosocial and noetic factors on cancer. Importantly, data accumulated in the last two decades have clearly shown that effects of the nervous system on cancer initiation, progression, and the development of metastases are mediated by the sympathoadrenal system mainly via β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Here, we provide a new complex view of the role of β-adrenergic receptor signaling within the tumor micro- and macroenvironments as well as in mediating the effects of the psychosocial and spiritual environments. In addition, we describe potential preventive and therapeutic implications.
Highlights
Processes related to the transformation of normal cells to cancerous ones and those related to the proliferation of cancer cells and development of metastases are tightly modulated by both tumor micro- and macroenvironments
A more detailed view integrating the role of the sympathoadrenal system and β-adrenergic receptor signaling in modulating processes within the tumor micro- and macroenvironments, as well as their roles in mediating psychosocial and spiritual influences on cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis is missing in scientific literature
We suggest that cancer itself might affect metabolism via the alteration of sympathetic nerve activity, thereby participating in the development of metabolic dysfunction on a systemic level termed cancer-associated cachexia, which is characterized by the weight loss, skeletal muscle wasting, and atrophy of adipose tissue observed in advanced cancer patients [104]
Summary
Processes related to the transformation of normal cells to cancerous ones and those related to the proliferation of cancer cells and development of metastases are tightly modulated by both tumor micro- and macroenvironments. A more detailed view integrating the role of the sympathoadrenal system and β-adrenergic receptor signaling in modulating processes within the tumor micro- and macroenvironments, as well as their roles in mediating psychosocial and spiritual influences on cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis is missing in scientific literature. The physiological effects of the EPI and NE include muscle contraction/relaxation, exocytosis from endocrine and exocrine glands, the regulation of metabolic processes, modulation of immune cell activity, regulation of the release of hematopoietic cells from bone marrow, and other biological processes [14] These effects are important, especially during stressful situations, as the sympathoadrenal system represents a crucial component of the neuroendocrine stress response [12]. EPI and NE might affect cells during resting conditions, even if their plasma and tissue levels are much lower when compared to levels found during stress [16]
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