The interplay between breast cancer and the nervous system during the progression of breast cancer and implications for its targeted therapy

Breast cancer ranks as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Current treatments often fall short in eradicating it completely, posing challenges in managing its incidence and mortality rates. The nervous system significantly influences breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. The review highlights how the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the central nervous system and peripheral nerves, such as parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, can either promote or inhibit cancer development through neurotransmitter release. Understanding these mechanisms offers new therapeutic targets, potentially improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.