Language

English

Publication Date

4-1-2025

Journal

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology

DOI

10.1016/j.critrevonc.2025.104632

PMID

39864535

PMCID

PMC12910606

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-18-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Physiological processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, hormone secretion, neurotransmitter release, sensory capabilities, and a variety of behaviors, including sleep, are controlled by a circadian rhythm adapted to 24-hour day-night periodicity. Disruption of circadian rhythm may lead to the risks of numerous diseases, including cancers. Several epidemiological and clinical data reveal a connection between the disruption of circadian rhythms and cancer. On the contrary, oncogenic processes may suppress the homeostatic balance imposed by the circadian clock. The integration of circadian biology into cancer research offers new options for making cancer treatment more effective, and the pharmacological modulation of core clock genes is a new approach in cancer therapy. This review highlights the role of the circadian clock in tumorigenesis, how clock disruption alters the tumor microenvironment, and discusses how pharmacological modulation of circadian clock genes can lead to new therapeutic options.

Keywords

Humans, Neoplasms, Circadian Clocks, Circadian Rhythm, Animals, Tumor Microenvironment, Circadian rhythm, Circadian disruption, Tumor, Clock genes, Tumor microenvironment, Circulatory tumor cells, Chronotherapy, Tumor metabolism

Published Open-Access

yes

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