[Perioperative tumour dissemination. 2. Effects of anaesthesia and analgesia]. / Diseminación tumoral perioperatoria. 2. Efectos de la anestesia y analgesia.

There has been growing concern over the last few years on the effect that the anaesthetic drugs used during oncological surgery could have on long-term tumour progression. In laboratory studies, it has been observed how some substances used during the anaesthetic procedure influence tumour immunosurveillance, cell proliferation or tumour angiogenesis processes. The possible clinical relevance of the anaesthetic technique used as regards long-term tumour progression and survival is still to be determined. However, based on retrospective studies, it appears that those anaesthetic techniques combined with the use of regional anaesthesia and analgesia may be beneficial compared to those that are maintained on the use of opioids. Further research should help to clarify the long-term clinical relevance of the anaesthetic process during oncological surgery.

[Perioperative tumour dissemination. 1. Influence of perioperative factors]. / Diseminación tumoral perioperatoria. 1. Influencia de los factores perioperatorios.

There has been growing concern in the last few years on the effect of anaesthetic drugs used during oncological surgery could have on tumour progression in the long-term, as well as the influence of other perioperative factors. Although much of the available data has weak evidence, the role of the surgery itself, pain, transfusion of blood derivatives, etc., have been assessed in several studies. How some substances used during the anaesthetic process can influence tumour immune surveillance, cell proliferation or tumour angiogenesis processes have been observed in laboratory studies. The possible relevance of the anaesthetic technique used as regards the long-term tumour progression and survival is still to be determined. However, based on retrospective studies, it seems that those anaesthetic techniques combined with the use of regional anaesthesia and analgesia could be beneficial compared to those that are maintained on opioid use. Further research should help to elucidate the long-term clinical relevance of the perioperative procedures, including the anaesthetic, during oncological surgery.