Psychoneuroimmunology of Glioblastoma: How Emotional States Shape Tumor Biology.

Psychological states profoundly influence physiological processes, with growing evidence linking emotional dysregulation to cancer progression. Within the framework of psychoneuroimmunology, recent findings have shown that chronic stress, depression and anxiety disrupt immune surveillance and promote a pro-inflammatory environment that favors tumor growth. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumor, appears particularly sensitive to these neuroimmune influences. Some stress mediators and neurotransmitters-such as glucocorticoids and catecholamines- modulate the GBM microenvironment, fostering tumor-supportive pathways and epigenetic changes. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence connecting emotional disturbances and glioma biology, highlighting shared neuroimmune mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. We propose that integrating psychosocial and neuropharmacological strategies into GBM care could improve patients outcomes by targeting both tumor biology and emotional well-being.