A new perspective on the relationship between the nervous system and pancreatic cancer

A new international study published in the prestigious journal Cancer Cell (IF 44.5) (open in a new window) provides a fascinating insight into how certain cancers, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, can exploit the nerve fibres in their vicinity for their benefit.

The authors of the study, including neuroscientist Nataliya Romanyuk from the Department of Neuroregeneration, found that pancreatic cancer cells produce a specific subtype of the glutamate receptor GRIN2D, which is commonly found primarily in brain tissue. Thanks to this receptor, tumour cells can respond to glutamate, a chemical signal released from surrounding nerve fibres, similarly to how neurons respond to signals from other neurons. This creates a special form of “communication” between nerve and tumour cells – the nerve sends a signal, the tumour receives it, and grows. These so-called pseudo-synapses are not just passive structures, but active channels through which nerve activity can literally encourage tumour cells to divide and spread further.

When scientists interrupted this communication, for example, by blocking the GRIN2D receptor or limiting the release of glutamate, tumour growth slowed significantly in experimental models, and laboratory animals survived longer. The results suggest that nerve pathways may represent a new therapeutic direction – instead of directly targeting the tumour, it may be effective to interrupt its connection to the nervous system.

This study opens up new questions about how closely the tumour environment may be connected to the nervous system. Although this is only basic research conducted on animal models, its results may contribute to a better understanding of why some tumours are so resistant to treatment and how their growth could be influenced by other means than those used. The research thus represents an important step toward a more detailed understanding of the relationship between nerve and tumour tissue – knowledge that may eventually help refine treatment strategies and increase their success.