Researchers here have shown that in cell cultures, the stress hormone norepinephrine appears to promote the biochemical signals that stimulate certain tumor cells to grow and spread.

The norepinephrine binds to receptors on the surface of the cells, sending a signal to the nucleus to produce a compound known as VEGF - vascular endothelial growth factor - that is key to the formation of new blood vessels, which the tumor must have to grow.

Researchers say hese findings may be a potential target for strategies to slow down the progression and spread of some cancers at such a rate that conventional chemotherapeutic treatments may be more effective.

Source: OSU