Chinese Medical Journal (Feb 2024)

Chronic stress as an emerging risk factor for the development and progression of glioma

  • Lan Yi,
  • Xiang Lin,
  • Xiaoling She,
  • Wei Gao,
  • Minghua Wu,
  • Peifang Wei

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000002976
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 137, no. 4
pp. 394 – 407

Abstract

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Abstract. Gliomas tend to have a poor prognosis and are the most common primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Compared with patients with other cancers, glioma patients often suffer from increased levels of psychological stress, such as anxiety and fear. Chronic stress (CS) is thought to impact glioma profoundly. However, because of the complex mechanisms underlying CS and variability in individual tolerance, the role of CS in glioma remains unclear. This review suggests a new proposal to redivide the stress system into two parts. Neuronal activity is dominant upstream. Stress-signaling molecules produced by the neuroendocrine system are dominant downstream. We discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which CS impacts glioma. Potential pharmacological treatments are also summarized from the therapeutic perspective of CS.