The role of Neurotensin and its receptors in non-gastrointestinal cancers: a review

Abstract Background Neurotensin, originally isolated in 1973 has both endocrine and neuromodulator activity and acts through its three main receptors. Their role in promoting tumour cell proliferation, migration, DNA synthesis has been studied in a wide range of cancers. Expression of Neurotensin and its receptors has also been correlated to prognosis and prediction to treatment. Main body The effects of NT are mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinases, epidermal growth factor receptors and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases amongst others. This review is a comprehensive summary of the molecular pathways by which Neurotensin and its receptors act in cancer cells. Conclusion Identifying the role of Neurotensin in the underlying molecular mechanisms in various cancers can give way to developing new agnostic drugs and personalizing treatment according to the genomic structure of various cancers.