Bidirectional relationship between gastrointestinal cancer and depression: The key is in the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

In this Editorial, we review the recent publication in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, which explores the complex relationship between depression and gastric cancer and offers perspectives. Key topics discussed include the microbiota-gut-brain axis, dysbiosis, and the influence of microbial metabolites in homeostasis. Additionally, we address toxic stress caused by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, psychological assessments, and future research directions. Our Editorial aims to expand the understanding of the bidirectional relationship between depression and gastrointestinal cancer.