Depression in cancer: The many biobehavioral pathways driving tumor progression - Bortolatto 2017
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is four times as common in cancer patients as the general population. Depression worsens oncology results, including non-adherence and mortality. Depression's neurobiological basis may contribute to cancer progression, according to new research. Psychosocial stressors in cancer induce inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, reduced immunosurveillance, and dysfunctional autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. Identifying depression in cancer patients who may benefit from treating depressed symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, exhaustion, and sleep difficulties is a public health priority. Behavioral treatments aimed at reducing psychological distress and depressive symptoms, such as addressing bad diet and lifestyle choices, physical inactivity, and sleep disturbance, may improve cancer-related outcomes. We discuss the biobehavioral pathways linking depression to cancer progression. Clinical implications are also discussed.
Bortolato B, Hyphantis TN, Valpione S, Perini G, Maes M, Morris G, Kubera M, Köhler CA, Fernandes BS, Stubbs B, Pavlidis N, Carvalho AF. Depression in cancer: The many biobehavioral pathways driving tumor progression. Cancer Treat Rev. 2017 Jan;52:58-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.11.004. Epub 2016 Nov 16. PMID: 27894012.
