Can anesthetic-analgesic technique during primary cancer surgery affect recurrence or metastasis?

Conclusions Current laboratory research suggests that perioperative interventions may impact recurrence or metastasis through effects on cancer cell signalling, the immune response, or modulation of the neuroendocrine stress response. Further evidence is awaited from prospective randomized-controlled trials. Meanwhile, with limited data upon which to make strong recommendations, anesthesiologists should seek optimal anesthesia and analgesia for their patients based on individual risk-benefit analysis and best available evidence on outcomes other than cancer recurrence.
Source: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research