How Stress and Mood May Affect Glioblastoma
Original title: Psychoneuroimmunology of Glioblastoma: How Emotional States Shape Tumor Biology.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This looks across many earlier studies rather than running a new one.
This is a summary of past research, not a new result or a treatment you can get.
The short version
This review looks at how stress and mood may affect brain tumor growth.
What was studied. This is a review of past research, not a new study. The authors pulled together work on stress, depression, and anxiety, and how these may act on glioblastoma: A glioma that is given grade 4. Grade 4 is the highest grade there is. The tumor grows fast. Treatment usually starts soon after it is found. It often means surgery, and then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary, a fast growing brain tumor.
What they found. The authors report that long term stress, depression, and anxiety can weaken the immune system. They say this can create swelling in the body that may help tumors grow. Stress hormones and brain chemicals may also change the area around a glioblastoma: A glioma that is given grade 4. Grade 4 is the highest grade there is. The tumor grows fast. Treatment usually starts soon after it is found. It often means surgery, and then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary in ways that support the tumor.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: It suggests that mood and stress care may matter alongside tumor treatment. The authors think adding mental health support to glioblastoma: A glioma that is given grade 4. Grade 4 is the highest grade there is. The tumor grows fast. Treatment usually starts soon after it is found. It often means surgery, and then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary care is worth testing.
What it doesn't mean: This does not mean stress causes glioblastoma: A glioma that is given grade 4. Grade 4 is the highest grade there is. The tumor grows fast. Treatment usually starts soon after it is found. It often means surgery, and then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary. It does not mean staying calm can shrink a tumor, and it is not a promise of a cure. This is a review of other studies, not a new test in people. Nothing here changes the care your doctor offers today.
Source: PubMed, October 13, 2026 · Read the original
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