Nerves Inhibit Melanoma Growth

A study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators, including David J. Simon and Tingting Liu, discovered that sympathetic nerve fibers within melanomas can inhibit tumor growth. This finding challenges previous assumptions that the nervous system primarily drives cancer growth. The research, published in Neuron, indicates that sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine, which activates alpha adrenergic receptors on macrophages, thereby reducing the number of pro-tumor macrophages and slowing melanoma progression. This breakthrough, supported by entities like the United States — National Cancer Institute, United States — National Institutes of Health, United States — United States Department of Defense, Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance, and Walton Family Foundation, suggests potential for new anti-cancer therapies, possibly utilizing existing blood pressure medications that target these receptors.