Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Depression in cancer: The many biobehavioral pathways driving tumor progression.

Bortolato, B
Hyphantis, T
Valpione, Sara
Perini, G
Maes, M
Morris, G
Kubera, M
Köhler, C
Fernandes, B
Stubbs, B
... show 2 more
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is common among cancer patients, with prevalence rates up to four-times higher than the general population. Depression confers worse outcomes, including non-adherence to treatment and increased mortality in the oncology setting. Advances in the understanding of neurobiological underpinnings of depression have revealed shared biobehavioral mechanisms may contribute to cancer progression. Moreover, psychosocial stressors in cancer promote: (1) inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress; (2) a decreased immunosurveillance; and (3) a dysfunctional activation of the autonomic nervous system and of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis. Consequently, the prompt recognition of depression among patients with cancer who may benefit of treatment strategies targeting depressive symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue and sleep disturbances, is a public health priority. Moreover, behavioral strategies aiming at reducing psychological distress and depressive symptoms, including addressing unhealthy diet and life-style choices, as well as physical inactivity and sleep dysfunction, may represent important strategies not only to treat depression, but also to improve wider cancer-related outcomes. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the intertwined biobehavioral pathways linking depression to cancer progression. In addition, the clinical implications of these findings are critically reviewed.
Description
Date
2016-11-16
Publisher
Keywords
Type
Article
Citation
Depression in cancer: The many biobehavioral pathways driving tumor progression. 2016, 52:58-70 Cancer Treat. Rev.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Embedded videos