Research progress of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of lung cancer

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20251009-00050

Abstract

Abstract:

The neuropeptide substance P （SP） and its receptor， neurokinin-1 receptor （NK-1R）， play a critical role in the occurrence and development of tumors. As a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily， aberrant activation of NK-1R is closely related to the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer. Studies have shown that SP/NK-1R promotes the proliferation of tumor cells by regulating signal pathways such as MAPK and PI3K/Akt， and anticipates in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment to drive angiogenesis. In recent years， an increasing number of preclinical studies have found that NK-1R antagonists not only serve as antiemetic drugs widely used for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting， but also have direct anti-tumor effects. Some of the mechanisms include reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. The systematic elaboration of NK-1R's mechanisms in lung cancer and research progress of its antagonists can lay a foundation for exploring new treatment paths for lung cancer and ultimately improving therapeutic efficacy and the quality of patients′ lives.

Key words: Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists, Lung neoplasms, Substance P, Tumor microenvironment, Drug therapy， combination

Li Yiping, Tang Zhuang, Ouyang Surui, Li Jin, He Jingdong. Research progress of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of lung cancer[J]. Journal of International Oncology, 2026, 53(5): 306-310.

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