Effects of tobacco constituents and psychological stress on the beta-adrenergic regulation of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer: Implications for intervention
Issue title: Adrenergic Signaling and Cancer: Deciphering the Connections
Guest editors: Amal Melhem-Bertrandtx and Anil K. Soody
Affiliations: Experimental Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. Tel.: +1 865 974 8217; Fax: +1 865 974 5616; E-mail: hmsch@utk.edu | [x] Department of Breast medical Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA | [y] Department of Gynecologic Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
Abstract: This review summarizes current preclinical and clinical evidence in support of the hypothesis that smoking and psychological stress have significant cancer promoting effects on non small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer via direct and indirect effects on nicotinic receptor-regulated beta-adrenergic signaling. Evidence is provided that targeted pharmacological interference with the resulting hyperactive cAMP-dependent signaling by beta-blockers or by γ-aminobutyric acid as well as positive psychological influences may be highly effective in preventing and improving clinical outcomes of these cancers, provided that appropriate diagnostic protocols are followed to monitor systemic levels of stress neurotransmitters and cAMP.
Keywords: NSCLC, tobacco constituents, psychological stress, beta-adrenergic signaling, cancer intervention
