The Psycho Immunology of Cancer

The contents of this book (first edition 1994) deal on the relationships between psychological variables, the immune system, and cancer growth. In the last few decades this subject has been accompanied by a growing interest on the part of science and the public. The first part of the book presents the biological background of the psycho-immunology of cancer and will be of particular interest to those with technical knowledge of the relevant laboratory-based disciplines. In this first part Bellinger (Loma Linda University, USA) et al. contribute with data on mechanisms mediating the effects of psychological status on the immune system. In their contribution they review published findings that demonstrate innervation of lymphoid organs and functional studies that support a role for neurotransmitters present in these nerves in the modulation of the immune system. Next, a summary of research investigating the influence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target tissue axis on immune function is presented. Finally, mechanisms through which immunological mediators regulate autonomic and neuro-endocrine outflow are reviewed. This part of the book is endorsed by an impressive amount of 567 literature references. Szlosarek (ICRF Translational Oncology Laboratory, London, UK) et al. contributes with a presentation on anti-cancer mechanisms involving the immune system. After a detailed contribution they conclude that both cancer and the immune system are highly complex and non-linear (chaotic) systems. If the correct information on both sides can be gathered then it is theoretically possible to alter the dynamics of the immune response to contain the heterogeneous evolutionary properties of an early tumour. The above mentioned contributors on the biological part of the book contains more than half the book. Readers of the Network Review will probably be more interested in the second half of the book that is more clinically oriented and accessible to a wider audience. The value of the contributions about the clinical context, the studies and speculations on human cancer are enhanced by the fundamental scientific data and contributions brought up in the first part of the book. Whether psychotherapeutic interventions can help patients to live longer, as well as cope better, is obviously a question of key importance and several contributors consider the evidence on this. Calde (Dep. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA) et al. contribute with an evaluation of clinical trials on psychosocial interventions and survival extension. Five of eleven trials show a positive effect. There remain many questions about the efficacy of psychosocial treatment and a number of variables have to be examined including diet, exercise, cancer type, and demographics before we can conclusively say that psychosocial treatment indeed prolongs survival. A most interesting last part of the book contains a contribution on the influence of psychospiritual healing on the immune system in cancer. Evidence is accumulating that spiritual factors can have a profound impact on the health and possibly the longevity of people with cancer. If healing is defined as becoming more aligned with what is considered to be a healthy existence, then psychospiritual therapies promote healing in cancer patients by facilitating 'peace of mind', diminishing fear and anxiety, and engendering hope, purpose, and meaningful existence. As such, therefore, they are of considerable benefit, as is stated. A most interesting and up-to-date book on the biological, mental, and spiritual influences on the immune system and so on cancer and the quality and longevity of the lives of cancer patients.