Depression may make people less responsive to cancer treatment
Monday, December 19, 2016 IST
A new study conducted by researchers states that depression can possibly make people less responsive to chemotherapy.
The findings, presented at ESMO Asia 2016 Congress in Singapore, stated that cancer patients suffering depression have decreased amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in their blood.
Low levels make people less responsive to cancer drugs and less tolerant of their side-effects.
Patients with severe depression had lower levels of the protein in the blood so their bodies were not as effective at fighting cancer.
This reduced their chance of surviving the disease."It's crucial doctors pay more attention to the mood and emotional state of patients.
Depression can reduce the effects of chemotherapy and BDNF plays an important role in this process," said lead study author Yufeng Wu from Zhengzhou University in China.
BDNF is essential for healthy brain function and low levels have already been linked with mental illness.
This study aimed to discover how depression influenced outcomes for people with advanced lung cancer.
The researchers recruited 186 newly diagnosed patients receiving chemotherapy.
Related Topics
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 9K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 6K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 6K views . 2 min read
The scientists likewise shared how much liquor an individual can drink prior to facing overabundance risk challenges their wellbeing, contrasted with somebody who...
Recently posted . 5K views . 1 min read
More in Food & Health
Smith is a working professional, but he has a habit of having tea frequently. He used to say, ‘I can’t function properly without my morning cup of tea...
Recently posted. 1K views . 4 min read
A lack of sleep can adversely affect your weight loss efforts. A new study suggests that sleep deprivation can cause weight gain. Here are five simple ways to imp...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Most lung cancer patients survived four months longer on an immunotherapy drug than the ones handled with chemotherapy, consistent with trial consequences posted Mo...
Recently posted. 1K views . 16 min read
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 2K views . 42 min read
Recently posted . 2K views . 607 min read
The findings showed that a single bout of exercise for mice could boost the activity of energy-burning neurons and inhibit the counterpart one for up to two days ...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Looking for the best Cooktops for your home and kitchen needs? Browse through this extensive list created by us that helps you pick the best option for yourself a...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read