Cancer, immunity, and pain

Varrassi G, Myrcik D, Leoni MLG. Cancer, immunity, and pain. Explor Immunol. 2026;6:1003240. https://doi.org/10.37349/ei.2026.1003240

 

Abstract

Pain is among the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms experienced by patients with cancer, significantly impairing functional status and overall quality of life. Its origin is multifactorial, involving direct tumor infiltration, treatment-induced tissue and neural injury, and immune-mediated inflammatory processes. This section examines the epidemiology of cancer-related pain, delineates its complex pathophysiology with particular focus on neuroimmune interactions, and reviews current pharmacological and interventional approaches for managing both acute and chronic pain in oncological settings. Advancing knowledge of immune-driven pain mechanisms holds promise for the development of more targeted, effective, and personalized analgesic strategies in cancer care.