The influence of neuro-tumor interactions on tumorigenesis and therapeutic response

The intricate crosstalk between the nervous system and tumors has emerged as a pivotal determinant of tumorigenesis, progression, and therapeutic response. This review synthesizes current insights into neuro-tumor interactions, highlighting how neuronal networks within the tumor microenvironment (TME) modulate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis by releasing neurotransmitters, growth factors, etc. The neuro-immune axis, a critical interface linking neural signaling to immune regulation, is explored in depth, elucidating how neuronal-derived molecules influence the phenotype and function of immune cells (e.g., T cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells) to affect anti-tumor immunity. In addition, the review also addresses neurotoxicity associated with tumor progression, particularly tumor-induced neuropathic pain, which arises from treatment-related injury. Finally, the therapeutic potential of targeting neural components in cancer is evaluated, including strategies to disrupt neuro-tumor communication (e.g., neurotransmitter receptor antagonists), modulate neuro-immune crosstalk, and alleviate treatment-related neurotoxicity. Overall, this review underscores the need to integrate neural signaling pathways into cancer biology and therapy, identifying unresolved issues in neuro-oncology and highlighting promising directions for developing neuro-targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.