Abstract
In the present review we discuss a central role for substance P (SP) in carcinogenesis. We suggest that one mechanism to induce mitogenesis of tumor cells is the activation of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) through SP, linking cancer promotion and progression to a neurokinin-mediated environment. After reviewing the role of both SP and its receptor NK1R in normal and neoplastic cells we propose the use of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists as a novel and promising approach for treating patients with cancer.
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
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DNA Damage*
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Disease Progression
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Growth Substances / metabolism
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Humans
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Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Neoplasms / pathology*
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Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
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Oncogenes*
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Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / metabolism
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Signal Transduction
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Substance P / physiology*
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Tachykinins / metabolism
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
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Growth Substances
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Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
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Receptors, Neurokinin-1
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Tachykinins
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Substance P