Post-Surgical Depressive Symptoms and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Elevations in Women Undergoing Primary Treatment for Breast Cancer

摘要

ObjectiveDepression and inflammation may independently promote breast cancer (BCa) disease progression and poorer clinical outcomes. Depression has been associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers in medically healthy individuals and cancer patients. However, inconsistencies in study time frames complicate interpretation of results within specific cancer types. This study examined relationships between depressive symptoms and inflammation in women with early stage BCa before beginning adjuvant treatment.