Elucidating the mechanisms of psychosocial influences on cancer using preclinical in vivo models

Publication date: August 2019Source: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, Volume 28Author(s): Erica K Sloan, Adam K WalkerThe impact of psychosocial factors on cancer is established from clinical studies. These findings offer novel points of intervention to improve patient wellbeing and survival using both behavioral and pharmacologic strategies. Pre-clinical in vivo models of cancer have been essential tools for defining a mechanistic understanding of how psychosocial factors impact cancer. Their use has allowed discovery and characterization of bi-directional signalling pathways that transmit information between the brain and the body to affect cancer progression. In vivo cancer models have demonstrated that signalling from the brain has direct effects on tumor cells, and also modulates anti-cancer immunity and the tumor microenvironment to impact cancer progression. By describing the molecular and cellular mechanisms of psychosocial influences on cancer, preclinical studies are now motivating and guiding prospective clinical studies to evaluate novel biobehavioral and pharmacologic interventions to slow cancer progression and improve treatment response.
Source: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research