Neuropeptides as lung cancer growth factors

• Bombesin (BB)-like peptides are autocrine growth factors for small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
• VIP increases the secretion of BB-like peptides and NTS from small cell lung cancer.
• BB2R, VPAC1R and NTSR1 are present on SCLC and non-SCLC (NSCLC) cells.
• SCLC and NSCLC growth is inhibited by BB2R, VPAC1R and NTSR1 antagonists.
• BB-like peptides regulate the growth of NSCLC cells in an EGFR dependent manner.

This manuscript is written in honor of the Festschrift for Abba Kastin. I met Abba at a Society for Neuroscience meeting and learned that he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Peptides. I submitted manuscripts to the journal on “Neuropeptides as Growth Factors in Cancer” and subsequently was named to the Editorial Advisory Board. Over the past 30 years I have published dozens of manuscripts in Peptides and reviewed hundreds of submitted manuscripts. It was always rewarding to interact with Abba, a consummate professional. When I attended meetings in New Orleans I would sometimes go out to dinner with him at the restaurant “Commanders Palace”. When I chaired the Summer Neuropeptide Conference we were honored to have him receive the Fleur Strand Award one year in Israel. I think that his biggest editorial contribution has been the “Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides.” I served as a Section Editor on “Cancer/Anticancer Peptides” and again found that it was a pleasure working with him. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which bombesin-like peptides, neurotensin and vasoactive intestinal peptide regulate the growth of lung cancer.