Neural regulations of the tumor microenvironment

The identification of nerves in the tumor microenvironment has ushered in a new area of research in cancer biology. Numerous studies demonstrate the presence of various types of peripheral nerves (sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory) within the tumor microenvironment; moreover, an increased density of nerves in the tumor microenvironment correlates with worse prognosis. In this review, we address the current understanding of nerve-mediated alterations of the tumor microenvironment and how they impact disease through a variety of processes, including direct nerve-cancer cell communication, alteration of the infiltrative immune population, and alteration of stromal components.

Automated summary

The identification of nerves in the tumor microenvironment has opened up a new area of research in cancer biology. Studies show that various types of peripheral nerves are present in the tumor microenvironment, and an increased nerve density correlates with poorer prognosis. Nerve-mediated alterations impact disease through processes like direct communication with cancer cells, modifying immune populations, and changing stromal components.