Cancer cells exploit nervous system for growth and metastasis

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich discovered that pancreatic tumors exploit the nervous system by forming 'pseudosynapses' to absorb the neurotransmitter glutamate, which then drives tumor growth.

via tum.de

Researchers at the West Virginia University Cancer Institute explored mitochondrial transplantation from healthy muscle cells into glioblastoma cells as a novel therapeutic strategy to disrupt tumor metabolism and increase sensitivity to radiation therapy.

via english.elpais.com·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·ecancer.org·stanmed.stanford.edu·wms-site.com

Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells can steal mitochondria from neurons to fuel their metastasis, leading to increased ATP content and greater metastatic capacity. This mechanism involves intimate physical contacts between neurons and cancer cells, facilitating the transfer of these energy-producing organelles. Blocking nerves in primary tumors reduced this mitochondria transfer, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

via Chosun Biz·USA Health·pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

New Australian research found that glioblastoma cells use GABA-related ion channels to support their growth and invasion into healthy brain tissue, identifying a potential new method to slow the spread of this aggressive brain cancer.

via perkins.org.au

Researchers have discovered that stomach cancers in mice form electrical connections with nearby sensory nerves, utilizing these circuits to stimulate growth and spread. This finding represents the first evidence of electrical contacts between nerves and cancer outside of the brain, suggesting that other cancer types may employ similar mechanisms. The study indicates that manipulating nerve input could offer a potential avenue for cancer control.

via technologynetworks.com·imageusa.com·pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Studies demonstrated that cancer cells exploit the brain's electrical activity and learning mechanisms, with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activating tumor cells to fuel their growth.

via english.elpais.com·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·ecancer.org·stanmed.stanford.edu·wms-site.com

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that tumor cells can fire action potentials, a capability previously believed to be exclusive to neurons, providing new insights into cancer neuroscience.

via bioworld.com

Research further emphasized how tumors hijack the nervous system for faster growth, showing that tumor cells form connected networks and receive growth factors from neurons.

via english.elpais.com·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·ecancer.org·stanmed.stanford.edu·wms-site.com

Cleveland Clinic-led findings, published in Nature Cancer, revealed that glioblastoma cells acquire mitochondria from astrocytes (a type of glial cell) to enhance their growth and aggressiveness, marking a significant step in understanding energy transfer in brain tumors.

via english.elpais.com·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·ecancer.org·stanmed.stanford.edu·wms-site.com

Studies began to highlight close metabolic similarities between cancer and neurological diseases, suggesting shared metabolic characteristics that could open avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.

via english.elpais.com·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·ecancer.org·stanmed.stanford.edu·wms-site.com

Research by Paul Frenette and colleagues demonstrated a significant correlation between an increased density of nerve endings in prostate tumors and greater tumor aggressiveness, as well as poorer responses to treatment.

via english.elpais.com·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·ecancer.org·stanmed.stanford.edu·wms-site.com