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The role of stress and beta-adrenergic system in melanoma: current knowledge and possible therapeutic options

  • Review – Clinical Oncology
  • Published:
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present review was to discuss recent findings on the role of beta-adrenergic system in melanoma, in order to provide information on the biological responses elicited by its activation and its potential application for melanoma treatment.

Methods

A literature search was performed, and evidences regarding the involvement of stress and beta-adrenergic system in cancer and melanoma were found and discussed.

Results

Our search pointed out that beta-adrenergic system is a key regulator of important biological processes involved in the onset and progression of some solid tumors. In the last decade, functional beta-adrenoceptors have been also identified on melanoma cells, as well as on their microenvironment cells. Similarly to other common cancers too, the activation of such adrenoceptors by catecholamines, usually released under stress conditions, has been found to trigger pro-tumorigenic pathways contributing to cell proliferation and motility, immune system regulation, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion and neoangiogenesis.

Conclusions

The biological evidences we found clarify and sustain the clinical evidences reporting the involvement of chronic stress in melanoma onset and progression. In such scenario, it is conceivable that a therapeutic approach targeting beta-adrenergic system could constitute a novel and promising strategy for melanoma treatment.

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript did not receive any specific grant; thus, it was not funded.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Dermatology, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Ospedale Piero Palagi, Viale Michelangelo 41, 50125, Florence, Italy

    Roberta Colucci & Silvia Moretti

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  1. Roberta Colucci
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  2. Silvia Moretti
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Correspondence to Roberta Colucci.

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Dr. Roberta Colucci declares that she has no conflict of interest. Prof. Silvia Moretti declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Colucci, R., Moretti, S. The role of stress and beta-adrenergic system in melanoma: current knowledge and possible therapeutic options. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 142, 1021–1029 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-015-2078-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-015-2078-z

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