Psychoneuroimmunology

Psychoneuroimmunology

• 1.
  Psychoneuroimmunology: Toward a Mind-BodyModel  Psychoneuroimmunology-study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body  Article- Psychoneuroimmunology: Stress Reduction To Prevent Cancer Recurrence
• 2.
  Article Summary  Existing knowledge-removal of malignant tumors still have high chance of reappearing in another part of the body  Used information related to the field of science called psychoneuroimmunology testing the prevention of cancer cells in relation to stress reduction  Study led by Professor ShamgarBen-Eliyahu from Tel Aviv University’s psychology department  Found that psychological and physiological stress throughout surgery has impact which impairs immune system functioning  Effects disease progession
• 3.
  Article-Main points  One of the first studies of its kind  Stress hormones –adrenaline (released before and after surgery) trigger the effects of surgery on immune capability  Past views-doctors assumed immune system was weakened by tissue damage and body responses to it  Weak immune system-one of major factors which promotes cancer after surgery  Timing-week after surgery, crucial for immune system to be functioning properly in order to kill remaining parts of tumor cells
• 4.
  Article-Conclusions  Main stress hormones before and after surgery are harmful, generic drugs being tested to block these hormones from being released  2005 study confirmed that blocking stress hormones in animals models can reduce cancer metastases  Could increase long-term survival rates after surgery from cancer (as much as 200-300 percent)  “By boosting the immune system and blocking its suppression by psychological and physiological stress, starting a day or two before surgery, we may be able to provide an intervention program that can extend people's lives and potentially increase their chances for long-term survival.”
• 5.
  Article Information  Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/98863.php  February 28, 2008  Research provided by Prof Ben-Eliyahu  Source- George Hunka