Work

Rethinking corticosteroids use in oncology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Corticosteroids (CSs), widely used in oncology for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, help manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects. However, their long-term use may negatively affect patient survival and exacerbate tumor progression. Elevated glucose and glutamine metabolism, disruption of vitamin D levels, and alterations in the microbiome are some of the key factors contributing to these adverse outcomes. Approaches such as ketogenic diets, fasting, sartans, and vitamin D supplementation have shown promise in providing similar benefits to CSs while mitigating the risks associated with the mechanisms identified as contributing to tumor progression. This perspective underscores the necessity for a reevaluation of CSs use in cancer care and advocates for further research into safer, more effective therapeutic strategies.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1551111

Authors: Pierrick Martinez, Jean-Marc Sabatier

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Stress, Anesthesia, and Immune Response

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801