Abstract 1725: Neuroendocrine modulation of anoikis

Abstract Chronic stress and associated hormones are known to affect multiple systems including immunological and endocrinological functions, but the effects on cancer growth and progression are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that chronic stress and associated increases in catecholamines, protect tumor cells from anoikis and promote growth by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK). These effects involve phosphorylation of FAKY397 associated with actin-dependent Src interaction with membrane-associated FAK. In human ovarian cancer patients, behavioral states related to greater adrenergic activity were associated with higher levels of pFAKY397, which was in turn linked to substantially accelerated mortality. These data suggest that FAK modulation by stress hormones, especially norepinephrine and epinephrine, can contribute to tumor progression in ovarian cancer patients. These findings further point at potential new therapeutic targets for cancer management. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1725.