Depression stresses the immune response and promotes prostate cancer growth

Abstract

Depression induces secretion of neuropeptide Y from prostate cancer cells, which, in turn, recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) to the tumor; tumor cells and MDSCs secrete IL6, which activates STAT3 within cancer cells. Prostate cancer samples from depressed patients reveal a similar phenotype, suggesting new treatment strategies based upon blockade of b2-adrenergic receptors and/or neuropeptide Y.