Study Links Cancerous Tumors With Depression

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Rats with tumors had increased levels of cytokines in their blood and in the hippocampus when compared with healthy rats. Previous research has linked high levels of cytokines, which are produced by the immune system, to depression.

The research team also found that stress hormone production was altered in rats with tumors.

The rats with tumors had dampened production of the stress hormone corticosterone, which helps regulate the impact of cytokines. Reducing the production of corticosterone may increase the impact of cytokines.

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"Our research shows that two types of tumor-induced molecules, one secreted by the immune system and another by the stress axis, may be responsible," said Leah Pyter, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Chicago and lead study author. "Both of these substances have been implicated in depression, but neither has been examined over time frames and magnitudes that are characteristic of chronic diseases such as cancer."

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on cancer and depression.

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-- Jennifer Thomas