Distinct Neuronal, Proliferative, and Secretory Pathways are Perturbed in Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms

The study examined biological mechanisms of depression in cancer survivors compared to non-cancer individuals. The research included 93 cancer survivors and 176 non-cancer participants, with depressive symptoms assessed using the CES-D scale. Researchers identified 68 perturbed biological pathways in cancer survivors and 72 pathways in the control group. Twenty-one pathways were uniquely perturbed in cancer survivors and were related to neurodegeneration, reward circuitry, proliferation, and secretion. Inflammatory pathways were disrupted in both groups. The results suggest that depression in cancer survivors has distinct biological mechanisms compared to depression in the general population, indicating the need for personalized treatment approaches.