Understanding nerve—tumor interactions: From basic biology to therapeutic innovation

The study of nerve–tumor interactions has emerged as a rapidly advancing and interdisciplinary field with profound implications for understanding cancer progression, prognosis, and therapeutic innovation. While this area holds significant promise for transformative discoveries, the mechanisms of nerve–tumor interactions and their translation into clinical applications remain at an early stage. This review focuses on the role of peripheral nerves in non-neurogenic solid tumors, discussing the prevalence and clinical impact of nerve–tumor interactions, their underlying forms and mechanisms, advancements in research technologies, therapeutic potential, and future challenges. By synthesizing current knowledge, integrating methodologies for studying nerve–tumor interactions, and identifying critical gaps, this work aims to provide a foundational resource to guide experimental design and stimulate interest in clinical trials targeting neural influences in cancer progression.