Summary

The nervous system influences more or less every hallmark of cancer directly, through nerves, or indirectly, through neuro-endocrine-immune interactions. Some hallmarks are more strongly influenced by the nervous system, whereas others are influenced mainly indirectly. However, the modulatory effect of the nervous system on the hallmarks of cancer enables the nervous system to exert a complex influence on both the onset and progression of cancer. In addition, neurobiological research on cancer has identified two new features of cancer, namely, tumor-induced neoaxonogenesis and tumor-induced effect on nervous system activity. These two new hallmarks increased the complexity of the pathways and mechanisms through which the nervous system acts on the tumor process. Moreover, research that focuses on the influence of the nervous system on particular hallmarks of cancer has revealed a whole spectrum of targets for novel therapeutic interventions in oncology.