Nerve fibers within melanoma tumors may slow cancer growth

Summary: Did you know your body's nervous system can act like a brake on skin cancer? A new study in the journal Neuron looked closely at melanoma tumors and found a surprising battle happening inside. Using a special technique to make tissue transparent, scientists mapped out the nerve fibers in the tumors. They discovered two types of nerves doing opposite things. Sensory nerves actually help the tumor grow. But sympathetic nerves—the ones responsible for your "fight or flight" response—slow the cancer down! They do this by releasing a hormone called norepinephrine, which stops certain immune cells (macrophages) from helping the tumor. Because common blood pressure medicines already target these exact nerve pathways, doctors might be able to use these everyday pills as a new way to fight cancer.

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