The µ‐Opioid Receptor in Cancer and Its Role in Perineural Invasion: A Short Review and New Evidence

Abstract

Opioids act on classical opioid receptors: μ, κ, and δ opioid receptors. [29,30] The human μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1)

Head and Neck Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles sensitize TRPV1+ neurons to mediate cancer pain

“…While perineural invasion plays a critical role in HNSCC-associated pain (Salvo et al 2020, Cata et al 2022), the earliest pain which is experienced before a cancer diagnosis, likely results from secreted factors. HNSCC tumor cells produce and secrete small extracellular vesicles (sEVs; size 30-150 nm) (Whiteside 2017, Wolf-Dennen et al 2020) which play a role in intercellular communication under normal and pathological settings (Milane et al 2015, Arenaccio et al 2017).…”

The 3D's of Neural Phenotypes in Oral Cancer: Distance, Diameter, and Density

“…[15] This receptor, which has two subtypes mediating pain and adverse effects of opioids, is present in sensory terminals of peripheral tissue, including oral mucosa. [15] Based on heteromer formation with receptors of ligands that have a role in axon guidance and neurite outgrowth, the µ-opioid receptor may have a role in perineural invasion. [15] Neural involvement by OSCC is often associated with perineural spread or perineural invasion.…”

“…[15] Based on heteromer formation with receptors of ligands that have a role in axon guidance and neurite outgrowth, the µ-opioid receptor may have a role in perineural invasion. [15] Neural involvement by OSCC is often associated with perineural spread or perineural invasion. Perineural spread is a clinical/radiographic phenotype whereby cancer grows so extensively around the nerve that it is detectable radiographically.…”

“…[ 14 ] The µ‐opioid receptor, which is also present in tumor cells, is the target of prescription opioids. [ 15 ] This receptor, which has two subtypes mediating pain and adverse effects of opioids, is present in sensory terminals of peripheral tissue, including oral mucosa. [ 15 ] Based on heteromer formation with receptors of ligands that have a role in axon guidance and neurite outgrowth, the µ‐opioid receptor may have a role in perineural invasion.…”

“…[ 15 ] Based on heteromer formation with receptors of ligands that have a role in axon guidance and neurite outgrowth, the µ‐opioid receptor may have a role in perineural invasion. [ 15 ]…”