Christodoulidis G, Konstantinos-Eleftherios K, Marina-Nektaria K. Double role of depression in gastric cancer: As a causative factor and as consequence. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30(10): 1266-1269 [PMID: 38596492 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i10.1266]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Grigorios Christodoulidis, MD, PhD, Surgeon, Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, Larissa 41110, Greece. gregsurg@yahoo.gr
Research Domain of This Article
Oncology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Grigorios Christodoulidis, Koumarelas Konstantinos-Eleftherios, Kouliou Marina-Nektaria, Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
Author contributions: Christodoulidis G, Konstantinos-Eleftherios K and Marina-Nektaria K contributed to this paper; Christodoulidis G designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Christodoulidis G, Konstantinos-Eleftherios K and Marina-Nektaria K contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Christodoulidis G, Konstantinos-Eleftherios K and Marina-Nektaria K contributed to the writing, editing the manuscript, and review of literature.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Grigorios Christodoulidis, MD, PhD, Surgeon, Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, Larissa 41110, Greece. gregsurg@yahoo.gr
Received: December 16, 2023 Peer-review started: December 16, 2023 First decision: January 4, 2024 Revised: January 13, 2024 Accepted: February 23, 2024 Article in press: February 23, 2024 Published online: March 14, 2024 Processing time: 89 Days and 9.2 Hours
Abstract
In this editorial we comment on the article “Hotspots and frontiers of the relationship between gastric cancer and depression: A bibliometric study”. Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy in the digestive system with increased mortality and morbidity rates globally. Standard treatments, such as gastrectomy, negatively impact patients' quality of life and beyond the physical strain, GC patients face psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression. The prevalence of depression can be as high as 57%, among gastrointestinal cancer patients. Due to the advancements in treatment effectiveness and increased 5-year overall survival rates, attention has shifted to managing psychological effects. However, the significance of managing the depression doesn’t lie solely in the need for a better psychological status. Depression leads to chronic stress activating the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading release of catecholamines inducing tumor proliferation, migration, and metastasis, contributing to GC progression. The dysregulation of neurotransmitters and the involvement of various signaling pathways underscore the complex interplay between depression and GC. Comprehensive strategies are required to address the psychological aspects of GC, including region-specific interventions and increased monitoring for depression. Understanding the intricate relationship between depression and GC progression is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies and improving overall outcomes for patients facing this complex disease. In this Editorial we delve into double role of depression in the pathogenesis of GC and as a complication of it.
Core Tip: Gastric cancer (GC), a prevalent malignancy in the digestive system, poses a dual challenge with both physical and psychological implications. While standard treatments like gastrectomy impact patients' quality of life, the psychological burden, including anxiety and depression, cannot be overlooked. Depression, reaching prevalence rates of 57%, significantly influences cancer outcomes, affecting mental well-being, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life. Chronic stress and neurotransmitter dysregulation play a pivotal role in GC development, activating pathways that induce tumor progression. Understanding the intricate connection between depression and GC not only highlights the need for comprehensive psychological support but also unveils potential therapeutic targets. Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of GC is essential for enhancing the overall well-being and outcomes of patients grappling with this complex disease.
