New Insights on Tramadol and Immunomodulation

Iqira Saeed, Adam la Caze, Markus W. Hollmann, Paul N. Shaw, Marie-Odile Parat

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Opioids are administered to cancer patients although concerns have been raised that they may promote tumour growth or metastasis owing to their ability to suppress anti-cancer immunity. Tramadol has been reported to preserve or promote the immune response and may therefore be preferred to other opioids in cancer patients. We reviewed the literature documenting the immunomodulatory effects of tramadol. Recent Findings: Recent clinical evidence appears to confirm that tramadol possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and preserves some signalling cascades of the immune system relevant to anti-cancer defence. Summary: Tramadol is reported to promote or preserve immunity including natural killer cell activity which is important in anti-cancer defences.
Original languageEnglish
Article number123
JournalCurrent oncology reports
Volume23
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Desmetramadol
  • Serotonin
  • Tramadol

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