The MAPK/ERK Signaling Axis in Cancer Development and Pain Modulation: A Comprehensive Review

The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is really important and well-conserved in how cells communicate. It controls essential functions like cell growth, differentiation, and survival. When it gets out of whack, it’s often a key player in cancer development, fueling tumor growth, spread, and making treatments less effective across various cancers. Interestingly, this pathway also plays a crucial role in how our brains adapt and process pain, especially in cases of acute and chronic pain, including pain linked to cancer. New findings suggest that these roles aren't just separate; they’re actually connected. Tumor-related factors and stress from treatments can activate MAPK/ERK signaling in both cancer cells and the neurons that sense pain. This connection establishes MAPK/ERK as a fascinating link between cancer progression and the experience of pain. In this review, we’ll look at the current understanding of how the MAPK/ERK axis functions in both cancer and pain, discussing its traditional roles and how they can vary in different contexts. We’ll also dive into how this overlap might impact treatment options, including the existing MAPK/ERK inhibitors used in cancer therapy and their potential use for pain relief. By bringing together insights from cancer biology and pain research, we hope to emphasize the pathway's potential as a dual target for more effective cancer treatment strategies.