A single head and neck Cancer (HNC) is a globally growing challenge associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis itself can affect the patients profoundly let alone the complex and disfiguring treatment. The highly important functions of structures of the head and neck such as mastication, speech, aesthetics, identity and social interactions make a cancer diagnosis in this region even more psychologically traumatic. The emotional distress engendered as a result of functional and social disruption is certain to negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The key biological responses to stressful events are moderated through the combined action of two systems, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) which releases glucocorticoids and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which releases catecholamines. In acute stress, these hormones help the body to regain homeostasis; however, in chronic stress their increased levels and activation of their receptors may aid in the progression of cancer. Despite ample evidence on the existence of stress in patients diagnosed with HNC, studies looking at the effect of stress on the progression of disease are scarce, compared to other cancers. This review summarises the challenges associated with HNC that make it stressful and describes how stress signalling aids in the progression of cancer. Growing evidence on the relationship between stress and HNC makes it paramount to focus future research towards a better understanding of stress and its effect on head and neck cancer.
#2Shanshan Yang(HMU: Harbin Medical University)H-Index: 1
Last. Anil K. Sood(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 132
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Summary Chronic stress related hormones modulate tumor pathogenesis at multiple levels; however, the molecular pathways involved in stress and cervical cancer progression are not well understood. We established a preclinical orthotopic mouse model of cervical cancer and used the model to show that daily restraint stress increased tumor growth and metastatic tumor burden. Exposure to norepinephrine significantly protected cervical cancer cells from anoikis. We demonstrated that YAP1 was dephospho...
Abstract Rehabilitation in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors is a lengthy process, based on multiple correlates and is associated with multiple challenges. The authors have tried to depict the psychological issues associated with the rehabilitation of these patients. Problems and discussion: HNC survivors have to undergo a traumatic and stressful process on the path to recovery. They may face are disfigurement, body image disturbances and limitation of activities which increases likelihood of...
OBJECTIVE Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients suffer from symptoms and fear of recurrence (FoR), which both affect their quality of life (QoL). Based on a self-regulation model, the purpose of the study was to examine patients' FoR as a mediator of the relation between symptoms and QoL, and to identify which symptoms may trigger FoR. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted, using convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data at a medical centre in Northern Taiwa...
OBJECTIVE Fatigued cancer patients often have high peripheral inflammation; however, the biological mechanisms of this association remain unclear. We examined whether decreased sensitivity of immune cells to the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids may contribute to inflammation and fatigue in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients during treatment. METHODS HNC patients without distant metastasis and with curative intent (n = 77) were studied 1 week before intensity-modulated radiotherapy (...
#2Amy R. Dwyer(UMN: University of Minnesota)H-Index: 6
Last. Carol A. Lange(UMN: University of Minnesota)H-Index: 2
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BACKGROUND: Altered signaling pathways typify breast cancer and serve as direct inputs to steroid hormone receptor sensors. We previously reported that phospho-Ser134-GR (pS134-GR) species are elevated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and cooperate with hypoxia-inducible factors, providing a novel avenue for activation of GR in response to local or cellular stress. METHODS: We probed GR regulation by factors (cytokines, growth factors) that are rich within the tumor microenvironment (TME)...
Abstract Objective Chronic stress hormone norepinephrine (NE) has been previously reported to play a role in the development of cancer, but the correlation between NE and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression is not well understood. Method To address this, the expression of adrenergic receptors (ARs) in human OSCC cell lines and clinic OSCC samples was detected, and the role of NEin vivo and in vitro was further investigated. Results It was found that β2-AR was the main AR of NE in OSC...
#1Yoshitsugu Mitani(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 24
#2Sue Hwa Lin(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 31
Last. Adel K. El-Naggar(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 133
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Purpose: To determine the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and androgen receptor (AR) in salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) and analyze the role of these proteins in the development and management of this disease entity. Experimental Design: We performed a phenotypic assessment of GR and AR localization and expression and determined in the association with clinicopathologic factors in 67 primary SDCs. Invitro functional and response analysis of SDC cell lines was also performed. Results: Of...
#1Monique B. Nilsson(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 23
#2Xiuning Le(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 19
Last. John V. Heymach(University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)H-Index: 97
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Lung cancer results in more patient deaths each year than any other cancer type. Additional treatment strategies are needed to improve clinical responses to approved treatment modalities and prevent the emergence of resistant disease. Catecholamines including norepinephrine and epinephrine are elevated as a result of chronic stress and mediate their physiological effects through activation of adrenergic receptors on target tissues. Lung cancer cells express β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), and nu...
Last. Desmond G. Powe(NTU: Nottingham Trent University)H-Index: 35
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Metastasis is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Although some studies suggest beta-blockers increase survival by delaying metastasis, others have been discordant. This study provides both insights into the anomalous findings and identifies potential biomarkers that may be treatment targets. Cell line models of basal-type and oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer were profiled for basal levels of adrenoceptor gene/protein expression, and β2-adrenoceptor mediated cell behaviour ...
Last. Maura Calvani(Boston Children's Hospital)H-Index: 16
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Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequently observed among extracranial pediatric solid tumors. It displays an extreme clinical heterogeneity, in particular for the presentation at diagnosis and response to treatment, often depending on cancer cell differentiation/stemness. The frequent presence of elevated hematic and urinary levels of catecholamines in patients affected by NB suggests that the dissection of adrenergic system is crucial for a better understanding of this cancer. β3-adrenoreceptor...
Last. Ian R. Ellis(Dund.: University of Dundee)H-Index: 19
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The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a largely unexplained outbreak of pneumonia cases, in Wuhan City, China and rapidly spread across the world. By 11th March 2020, WHO declared it as a global pandemic. The resulting restrictions, to contain its spread, demanded a momentous change in the lifestyle of the general population as well as cancer patients. This augmented negative effects on the mental health of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), who already battle with the stress of cancer diagnos...
Abstract Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), a highly malignant tumor that arises in peripheral nerve tissues, is known to be highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Although there are several reports on genetic mutations and epigenetic changes that define the pathogenesis of MPNST, there is insufficient information regarding the microenvironment that contributes to the malignancy of MPNST. In the present study, we demonstrate that adrenaline increases the cancer stem cell p...
The aim. Assessment of the initial psychological status of men with first diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis and the study of its associations with the clinical course of the disease. Materials and methods. The study involved 54 men with first diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients had a dynamic complex clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination with an assessment of the psychological status according to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). R...
Neuroendocrine-immune homeostasis in health and disease is a tightly regulated bidirectional network that influences predisposition, onset and progression of age-associated disorders. The complexity of interactions among the nervous, endocrine and immune systems necessitates a complete review of all the likely mechanisms by which each individual system can alter neuroendocrine-immune homeostasis and influence the outcome in age and disease. Dysfunctions in this network with age or external/inter...