Neurotransmitter Regulatory Networks: A New Perspective on Cancer Therapy

In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly delved into the study of the interaction between the nervous system and tumors, revealing that the nervous system not only regulates bodily functions under physiological conditions, but also assumes a vital part in the emergence and progression of tumors. Research has demonstrated that the extensive neural network directly regulates tumor progression and can influence tumors by modulating the tumor microenvironment and immune system. Moreover, tumors induce neural networks to provide favorable conditions for their proliferation and metastasis. In the above process, neurotransmitters play a vital role. They directly act or bind to their receptor, activating various classical signaling pathways, among which are PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK, and WNT/β-catenin, to facilitate tumor advancement. Therefore, this study systematically reviews the regulatory mechanisms of neurotransmitters and their receptors in the advancement of cancer, along with the utilization of targeted drugs. At the same time, we also analyzed that targeting specific receptor subtypes may produce more significant therapeutic effects in different types of cancer. Additionally, this research further explores the limitations of neurotransmitter-based drugs currently used in clinical cancer treatment. In summary, the field of cancer neuroscience is rapidly advancing, constantly revealing the regulatory effects of neurotransmitters on tumor progression and their specific molecular mechanisms, providing broad application prospects for future clinical therapy.