Astrocytes: A potential avenue for depression and cancer

Recent findings have revealed the potential of neuroscience-based targets to develop novel therapeutic interventions for cancer. Depression has long been hypothesized to increase the risk of cancer, a condition that is significantly more prevalent among cancer patients. Astrocytes have a complex role in depression at the molecular, cellular, and network levels. The targeting of astrocytes has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of depression. Additionally, astrocytes have also been implicated in cancer brain metastases and directly affect cancer progression. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the causal relationship and mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to depression and cancer neuroscience. This interface between neurobiology and cancer biology may provide novel insights into the neuroscience-based targets for cancer therapy.