Tumor innervation and mitochondrial transfer in the cancer pathogenesis: perspectives on genitourinary malignancies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Recent advances have significantly expanded our understanding of the roles played by mitochondria and tumor innervation in tumorigenesis. Once viewed primarily as contributors to energy production and metastatic dissemination, mitochondria are now recognized as central players in broader processes, including immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment, therapy resistance, and metastatic progression. Interestingly, the findings have eventually converged, and evidence now shows that mitochondria can be transferred from neurons to tumor cells, resulting in enhanced invasiveness. While these discoveries are promising, they also present new challenges that must be addressed. As the interconnection between neuroscience, oncology, and immunology continues to deepen, these insights open new avenues for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. This review explores the most recent findings regarding nerve-cancer interaction, with a specific focus on genitourinary cancers, highlights their emerging intersections, and discusses how these insights may inform the development of novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7123852295