Neuroimmune mechanisms in cancer pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current review provides a summary of recent advances in our understanding of the neuroimmune interactions which influence the development of pain associated with cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS: Common signalling pathways, mediators and immune cell types are involved in the generation of pain as a result of both cancer and its treatment. Distinct alterations in central and peripheral neuronal function occur in multiple forms of cancer pain. Other more unusual neuroimmune processes such as graft-versus-host disease may cause cancer pain.

SUMMARY: Identification of the cellular processes which underlie the generation of cancer pain provide potential novel targets for drug development and may eventually lead to improved pain management for cancer patients.