The brain–gut axis in gastrointestinal cancers

Abstract

Recent developments have given more credence into the brain-gut-microbiota axis and its role in the development of tumor genesis. The microbiota have multiple functions including maintenance of the epithelial barrier, immune response, digestion, cortisol regulation, and control of neurotransmitters and their metabolism [e.g., serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)]. Changes in gut microbiota can interfere with homeostasis leading to dysbiosis microbiota, which is linked to colorectal cancer. Microbiota composition can cause pronounced effect on medical interventions including medications, chemotherapy, and radiation. Altered primary immune system is associated with microbiota disassociation and development of colorectal cancer. This article reviews the current research in brain–gut axis with focus on microbiota and its role in the development of gastrointestinal cancers. We conducted a literature review on PubMed, Cochrane, and Science direct using English language. We begin by reviewing the brain–gut axis and its function and then discuss its effect on the development of gastrointestinal cancers. We reviewed 70 manuscripts and found association between microbiota dysfunction and development of colorectal cancers predisposing to psychiatric manifestations. Lasting disturbances in the microbiota can lead to systemic inflammation with implications on disease development or treatment modifications. These disruptions of the intestinal flora can play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancers. Most psychological reactions to cancer are similar across cancer types but each cancer when examined individually has its own unique features associated with it. Correlation between fear of recurrence and the level of pathological distress is viewed as an indicator of overall adjustment to cancer survival.

Introduction

The term brain–gut axis was initially defined in the literature as early as the 1960s, which lead to the concept of ongoing communication between the gut and the brain. The autonomic regulation within the gut is facilitated by the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and enteric nervous systems, and neuroendocrine factors (1). The communication between the brain and the gut is bidirectional with the gut synthesizing and secreting multiple neuroactive substances that are able to cross the blood–brain barrier and affect the brain. In-turn, neuroactive molecules originated in the brain can exert effects on the gut via the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems or the humoral pathway (2). These neuropeptides include substance P, calcitonin gene related peptide, and neuropeptide Y (3).

This indicates that the nervous system and the humeral pathway are able to send signals from tumor cells to the brain, which in turn is followed by signals from the brain modulating the tumor growth factor in the gut (3). Recent studies have also shown that neural signaling substances are involved in tumorigenesis and progression of GI malignancies (4).

The brain–gut axis includes the following components: the central nervous system (CNS), the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, and the gut microbiota (1). The CNS is the first component of the brain–gut axis. It was demonstrated that stimulation of certain areas of the CNS could promote proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. For example, electrical stimulation from the lateral hypothalamus can enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells (1), and an injury to the lateral hypothalamus can suppress cytotoxicity. The opposite effect is observed with electrical stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamus. Hypothalamus-pituitary–adrenal axis activation in depressed patient can induce deficiency in DNA repair that can stimulate tumorigenesis by activation of neuropeptide and neurotransmitter metabolism (1). We often see that when the brain–gut axis is activated by tumor cells, the brain responds to the cancer cells with neuroendocrine–immune and behavioral reactions, involving neuropeptides, neurotransmitter metabolism, regional brain stimulation and behavioral changes (5).

The ANS is the second component of the brain–gut axis. Its role in the development of GI cancers is complex. The activation of sympathoadrenal axis promotes tumor genesis in the GI system and sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamin can reduce the incidence in colon cancer in rats (6). The inactivation of the parasympathetic system by vagotomy could increase the risk of gastric cancer (6). Studies have shown that vagotomy, or inactivation of the vagus nerve by upregulating the level of substance P, can promote liver, kidney, and lung metastasis. Therefore, an intact vagus nerve may protect against metastasis. In addition, other factors such as Helicobacter pylori, hypochloridria, smoking and bile reflux, can contribute to gastric cancer (7) (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Key components of brain gut microbiota axis. A network of specialized target/transducer cells in the gut wall functions as an interface between the organism and the gut lumen. In response to external and bodily demands, the brain modulates individual cells (ECC, enterochromaffin cells; SMC, smooth muscle cells; ICC, interstitial cells of Cajal) within this network via the branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (sympathetic and parasympathetic/vagal efferents) and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Such modulation can be transient (e.g., in response to transient perturbations) or longlasting (in response to chronically altered brain output). The microbiota is in constant bidirectional communication with this interface via multiple signaling pathways, and this communication is modulated in response to perturbations of the microbiota, or the brain. The integrated output of the brain gut microbial interface is transmitted to the brain via multiple afferent signaling pathways, including endocrine and neurocrine (vagal, spinal afferents) pathways. While acute alterations in this interoceptive feedback result in transient functional brain changes, chronic alterations are associated with neuroplastic brain changes.” (8).

Research has shown that many GI tumors including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and biliary cancer can be infiltrated and innervated by nerves (9). This perineural tumor invasion is important because it has a prognostic value. Worse median overall survival is observed in gastric cancer tissues that are capable of perineural invasion as it relates to vascular invasion and lymph nodes metastasis (10). Nerve cells involved in perineural invasion can secrete neurotransmitters or neuropeptides, which can promote tumor proliferation (10).

Neuropeptide and neurotransmitters have a role in the modulation of tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis (11). Those include epinephrine/norepinephrine, acetylcholine, serotonin (12), GABA (13), and BDNF. Recent studies have also shown that neural signaling substances are involved in tumorigenesis and progression of GI malignancies (14).

The third component of the brain–gut axis is the microbiota, which is the commensal bacteria of the GI system that populate the gastrointestinal and colonic epithelia (15). Gut microbiota consists predominantly of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla bacteria (90%) with the remaining 10% consisting of organisms such as fungi, archaea, viruses, and bacteria such as Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Verruca microbiota phyla (16). The microbiota play a role in multiple functions in the gut including the maintenance of the epithelial barrier, the gut metabolism such as digestion, vitamin synthesis, and immunology (16). They are involved in cortisol regulation, and control of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and GABA metabolism (16).

The microbiota is unique for every individual, and the diversity in microbiota is influenced by age, diet, environmental factors, such as disease affecting the individual, and the usage of antibiotics and other medications. The colonization of the newborn digestive system occurs during delivery when the infants are exposed to maternal microbiota (17). Lactobillus is dominant after vaginal delivery (18) and Staphylococcus and Priopionibacterium are more prevalent in neonates born via cesarean section (19).

The brain exerts control on the gut via autonomic and neuroendocrine pathways. An abnormal interaction between the two can result in gastrointestinal diseases, such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome that is associated with pain anxiety and depression. The brain and the gut axis employs four major communication systems, including, neuro-messages carried by the vagal and spinal afferent neurons, immune messages carried by cytokines, endocrine messages carried by gut hormones for microbial factors that can reach the brain directly via blood stream or indirectly by other transmission pathways (15). The communication systems mentioned above are present in various locations throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Those have important and vital functions including the ability of the gut to distinguish between toxins and to maintain homeostasis, especially through the immune system. Those communication pathways between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract involve neuropeptide and similar molecule (2). These peptides exhibit modulatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract endocrine cells which can produce upwards of 20 different hormones. These hormones can have an effect on the microbiota which is located in very close proximity within the gastrointestinal mucosa. The gut hormones in addition to immune mediators play a role in communication between the brain and the microbiota. Evidence of this communication can be seen when we look at metabolites circulating in the blood which are derived from the intestinal microbiota (20). It is also important to recognize that the presence or absence of the microbiota, can affect the variability of metabolites such as peptides present in the brain.

Studies have shown that there are three phases in the microbiota gut colonization in the infant that begin at three months of age and continues for about four years. The first phase, developmental phase, is from 3–14 months. The second phase, a transitional phase, is from 15–30 months, and the third phase, stable phase, from 31 months onward. Maturation of microbiota continues until age 20 (19). During the first months of life, the microbiota is of reduced diversity. Infants that were breast-fed had higher concentration of Bifidobactrerium, which has probiotic properties (19). As the infant is exposed to variety of foods, the microbiota becomes more diverse and a higher concentration of Firmicutes Phyla, typically found in adults, is now populating in the infant’s gut. Babies born vaginally are also exposed to a temporary increase in concentration of Bacteroides bacteria that increases the gut diversity and maturation during the first year of life (19).

Diet can influence the arrangement of the intestinal microbiome. Poor prenatal diet (high fat, low fiber) can affect the diversity and composition of microbiota, which can increase the incidence of allergic sensitization (allergic rhinitis, eosinophilia, asthma) and metabolic diseases in children (21). There is evidence that dietary supplementation of perinatal prebiotic or probiotic supplements could modify the composition of gut microbiota in mothers and infants (22). Children fed diet rich in fibers tend to have a healthy gut microbiota, and a diet rich in fat in the first years of life can decrease the total amount of Bacteriodetes (11). The environment of the microbiota is sensitive to changes in pH, oxygen, nutrients, and integrity of mucous membrane (23). Gram negative like Bacteroides and Gram positive like firmicutes are the main microbiota in healthy adults (18). Other organisms like Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria are less common (24).

Any change in the gut microbiota can interfere with homeostasis leading to a state of dysbiosis microbiota, which is linked to colorectal cancer via various mechanisms (25). Dysbiosis microbiota include bacterial species such as Bacteroids fragilis, Streptococcus bovis, Helicobacter pylori, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Clostridium septicum and Fusobacterium spp have procarcinogenic properties (25). The microbiota has an effect on metabolism of chemotherapy, and immunotherapy (15).

In the recent years, an interest in “pharmacomicrobiomics”, the effect of microbiota on drug activity and metabolism, has grown, and a large number of studies have focused on the role of microbiota on various drug metabolism (26). It is believed that the microbiota exert its effect on drug metabolism through enzymatic effect on the drug or by direct effect on host gene expression of enzymes involved in the drug metabolism.

Of particular relevance in Oncology, studies have shown a close relationship between microbiota, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy agents. Through immune modulation, chemotherapeutic agents can affect the growth of gut microbiota (27). It also became apparent that irradiation could produce oxygen radicals leading to cytotoxic effects on the epithelium with ulcerative lesions and microbial cell damage, which can alter and disrupt the microbiota population. The altered microbiota can worsen radiotherapy-induced mucositis with an increased risk for infection and other clinical complications (28).

The gut microbiota has an effect on the metabolism of chemotherapeutic and anticancer drug response such as 5-Flurouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Microbiota can influence drug absorption, breakdown, and toxicity (29). It can both promote tumor suppression though synergistic effect and can augment tumor genesis by interfering with treatment and drug efficacy (30). Antibiotics can alter gut microbiota, which can reduce drug efficacy of cyclophosphamide and platinum based compounds like oxaliplatin and cisplatin (31). Microbiota can also exert an effect on metabolism of medications such as digoxin, methotrexate, diabetic medications, risperidone, levodopa, metronidazole, omeprazole, nitroglycerine, and clonazepam (27).

Research has shown that chemotherapy can increase the growth of Bacteroids species, Escherichia and Enterococcus Faecium and decrease the growth of few Clostridium species, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and others (32). When the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy induce dysbiosis microbiota, this dysbiosis can spread microbiota into the blood stream leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates in colorectal cancer patients (33). A commensal bacterium, a type of microbiota, interacts with TLR and nuclear factor kappa B, promoting a protective effect on the colorectal epithelial cells by enhancing innate immune response (33).

The activation of those mechanisms is essential in protecting the intestinal mucosa barrier against various injuries (33). Studies have shown that the use of probiotics can deter the inflammatory effects and mucositis caused by chemotherapy, and Lactobacillus probiotic can help to reduce mucosal injury (34). Another study showed that supplementation with natural flora can mitigate the effect of chemotherapy as well. Additionally probiotic supplementation to patients receiving 5-FU, who developed severe diarrhea, showed favorable outcome in reduction of diarrhea and electrolytes imbalance (35). In summary, probiotics can lower chemotherapy induced intestinal mucositis; therefore, supplementation with probiotics should strongly be considered (15).

Despite the multiple diverse treatment options at our disposal today, the mortality rates for colorectal cancer remain elevated. There is an urgency to identify risk factors and biomarkers to improve treatment outcomes overall. Recent research focuses on the gut microbiota and the role of development of colon cancer (36). Other key factors that influence colon cancers are host genetics (37), diet (38), and inflammatory dysregulation (39).

Tumor genesis of colorectal cancer is associated with mutations in suppressor genes and onco-genes leading to the differentiation of normal cells to malignant cells. The development of colon cancer is commonly initiated by mutations in Adenopatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene (40). The APC protein is a negative regulator of WNT/B-Catenin. APC mutations contribute to the dysregulation of WNT/B-Catenin initiating alterations in microbiota that can result in development of polyps and tumorigenesis (41).

The brain–gut axis and its components have effects on gastrointestinal cancers, those include: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic, and liver cancers. In this paper we will focus on colorectal cancers due to its most important and extensive representation in the brain–gut axis.

Research has shown that microbiota can modulate human health and pathology including cancer proliferation. The microbiota can effect cancer growth initiation and proliferation through various mechanisms. Microbes can produce free radicals that lead to DNA damage, an example of this is, B fragilis that produce reactive oxygen that can cause colon cancer by damaging the host DNA (42). Microbiota can also increase cell proliferation, which was observed by the fact that H. Pylori can increase cell proliferation and induce tumor genesis. As most of the world’s population is colonized with H. Pylori, however only small percentage of people develop GI cancers and this may be due to the carcinogenic phenotypes of the host which allow the H. pylori to initiate and proliferate cancer cells in the stomach (11).

Colorectal cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both sexes. There are 101,420 new cases of colon cancer and 44,180 new cases of rectal cancer expected in the US in 2019. It is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide with an estimate of about 1 million people being diagnosed every year (43). The highest incidence of colorectal cancer is found in central and northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Northern America, and Eastern Asia. Colorectal cancer is common in the developed countries and 50–65% of new cases occur in Europe and the Americas.

Due to improvement in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, survival of patients with colorectal cancer has improved, and 50% of patients will survive at least 5 years (43). About 11 million survivors are living in the US and that population is growing (44). Patients survival is largely depended on treatment which include surgery, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (43). The use of 5-Fluorouracil has resulted in an improvement in survival of approximately 30% with additional 20% improvement in survival when oxaliplatin was added to patients with stage III colon cancer. Over 90% of invasive colorectal cancers are diagnosed in patients over 50 years old with 67% of cases diagnosed in patients 65 years and older (44).

Most psychological reactions to cancer are similar across cancer types but each cancer when examined individually has its own unique features. Particular issues that are characteristic for colorectal cancer are: stoma management, body image, bowel symptoms, low energy, and financial concerns (45). Colon cancer recurrence is common, and 90% of cases will show recurrence in the first 2 years post treatment (43). The fear of recurrence contributes to the difficulties faced by survivors, even after initial remission has been achieved. The anxiety is acute in the first few months after completing treatment, and it may continue for few years (44,46). Studies have shown correlation between fear of recurrence and the level of psychological distress, which was viewed as indicator of overall adjustment to cancer and survival (47).

As more patients survive, physical and mental health concerns due to cancer treatment emerges (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) leading to new challenges that can affect the patient’s quality of life (QOL). We define QOL as a “subjective evaluation of one’s personal satisfaction with overall health and well-being (48).” QOL is measured by physical, psychological, and social functioning. When patients talk about QOL, the most prevalent concerns they express are recurrence of the cancer (68%), followed by fatigue (67%), and sleep disturbance (48%) (44).

Cancer survivors often report poorer health ratings. Female long-term cancer survivors endorse difficulty in physical activities such as walking; climbing stairs, and maintaining housekeeping compared to same age females without cancer. Male cancer survivors reported more physical limitations in activities such as sports, shopping, and social events compared to same age adults without cancer (43). For elderly long-term survivors, anxiety and depression are often a significant complaint, and they have worse physiological outcomes and have increased use of mental health services compare to elderly without cancer (43).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Patients who are being diagnosed with cancer, being treated for the cancer, and surviving it often reported feeling stressed and overwhelmed (49). This experience can lead to symptoms consistent with PTSD that include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, re-experiencing the trauma (flashbacks), hyper-arousability, avoidance behavior, and change in mood and cognition. The incidence of PTSD is variable among cancer patients, and it ranges between 0% to 32% (49). Anxiety and depression are comorbid with PTSD (50). Following a diagnosis of cancer, the prevalence of anxiety tends to be high. In one study, 19% and 22.6% of patients showed clinical and subclinical anxiety at diagnosis (51). It is unclear whether a traumatic experience of cancer can increase the risk of PTSD or a previous history of PTSD can increase the risk of cancer. It has been evident clinically that cancer can be experienced as traumatic event leading to PTSD in minority of patients (52).

It became apparent recently, that many cancer survivors do not report an increase in stress and poor adjustment, but report positive outcomes and periods of psychological growth following a cancer diagnosis and treatment (49). Tedeschi and Calhoun described a term Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) as a positive life change after experiencing stressful and traumatic events including cancer (53). The positive changes are described as personal growth, increase in strength, and an appreciation of life and spirituality (54). The term PTG was seen in cancer cases, but it also in survivors of HIV infection and sexual assault (54). Indices of cancer related distress, such as perceived stress and perceived life threat, are predictive of high level of PTG, but indices of general distress or well-being were not correlated with PTG. It is unclear if there is a correlation between psychological adjustment and PTG after cancer, but as with any other traumatic events, both can promote meaningful growth (55). In other words, undergoing cancer diagnosis, treatment has a potential for both positive and negative outcomes. Tedeschi and Calhoun wrote that distress and growth can coexist and initial elevated level of stress can stimulate subsequent growth (49).

They also hypothesized that since PTSD and PTG have similar pathways, both occur in response to an initial traumatic event that lead to significant psychological distress. These psychological distresses consist of unwanted intrusive thoughts of the trauma, which appear as rumination but are an attempt to process the traumatic event. According to multiple sources in the literature, a certain amount of distress is essential to stimulate growth and rumination as a central cognitive process to promote PTG (55).

This process of rumination is a cognitive processing with positive and negative outcomes. The positive processing facilitates adaptation to trauma, which increases growth and meaningful outcomes while negative processing facilitates distress and depression. Intrusive and disruptive thoughts that are uncontrolled and indicative of stress response to trauma are negative processing but thoughts that are brief and controlled can be positive and beneficial. When processing the trauma is deliberate and effortful, it result in decrease in distress and increase in PTG (49). Therefore, depending on the cancer survivors cognitive processing, the outcome can result in positive growth and development versus the development of a PTSD picture.

Integration of body image

Surgical intervention with resection of the affected part of the colon or rectum is often the first line of treatment of colorectal cancer. Following a partial or total colectomy, the creation of a stoma, which is an opening at the skin to remove fecal material, is often required. Colostomies can be temporary and reversible or permanent depending on the extent and the nature of the disease. Over the years, there has been much interest in the psychological effects of having a permanent stoma on patients with colorectal cancer (56). Studies have shown significant difference in depression, social functioning, body image and sexual functioning between patients with stoma and patients without a stoma. Likewise patients who underwent bowl resection with stoma placement were likely to develop body image disturbance which subsequently lead to depression (57).

Body image dissatisfaction is common in other disease such as breast cancer or rheumatological disease, and it was a strong predictor of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and distress. Sharpe et al. recruited 99 patients with colorectal cancer: 34 patients had stoma placement and 65 did not (56). The study attempted to determine the effect of having a stoma for the treatment of colorectal cancer on body image and whether body image disturbance can predict the development of subsequent psychological distress. Their work showed that there is correlation between patients who received a stoma and their body image (56). Patients with colorectal resection and stoma placement showed more body image disturbance following the surgery than patients who did not receive a stoma. Furthermore, Sharpe et al. showed that these body image disturbances did not fade away with time but instead continued to progress and worsen over time (56). To further support these findings, Ross et al., found that patients who received a late stoma had a significant increase in depressive symptoms (57).

The baseline level of body image disturbance before treatment was a predictor of anxiety and distress once treatment began. Sharpe found similar results in their study as the presence of a stoma was associated with poorer body image and this image did not adjust with time. This evidence highlights the importance of assessing body image issues when diagnosing, treating, and following up with patients with colorectal cancer as these issues can clearly lead to increase in depression and general distress (56).

Surviving cancer treatment

Rates of cancer treatments continue to improve across the board. As such, there is a great deal of information that we still need to learn and understand about the battle survivors face once they are in remission. There is an effect known as “guarding” which was suggested and investigated by Taylor et al. (43). They identified guarding as “when a survivor becomes vigilant to their bodies changing state, as professional support declines and time post treatment extends.” These findings can manifest as uncertainty over one’s future, loss of confidence in one’s health, fear of recurrent disease, perceived loss over body control, and the need for outside and professional reassurance. There are three main forms in which guarding can present itself: body monitoring, risk management, and seeking reassurance (43). Body monitoring is initially a required part of one’s treatment as the body responds and adjusts to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments; however, as time post treatment progresses, the patients tend to self-monitor their bodies for nuances of their recovery (41). This can have significant effects on daily life, food intake, and social interactions. Simple symptoms like headaches can be interpreted as an ominous finding. Patients can experience a loss of autonomy and become fully dependent on healthcare providers for interpreting their body function that can lead to frequent healthcare utilization and increased cost (41).

The next coping mechanism is managing risk. This can present as an appropriate post treatment behavior as patients follow-up with their healthcare providers recommendations in an attempt to make life style modifications. However, it can lead to fearful and overly cautious behavior that is incongruent with the patient’s actual abilities after remission (41). Many patients may tend to avoid many activities due to fear of disease recurrence. This can manifest as unreasonable diet modifications, being overly sensitive to medical recommendations on the news, or even doubting the advice of their medical team (41). Patients in these circumstances often believe that they can help prevent recurrence by avoiding or managing their activities.

Finally, seeking reassurance is another double-edged sword that can present itself during the guarding phase (41). During initial treatment, patients often benefit from constant reassurance and support from their treatment team and network, but as time progresses, patients can find sharing their experience can be anxiety-inducing as many individuals volunteer suggestions and advice (41). A fear of this can cause patients to avoid sharing their experiences and worries, leading to internalization of their discomfort until symptoms of anxiety and depression emerge (41).

Conclusions

Mounting evidence exists in support of the brain–gut axis and its involvement in tumor genesis, proliferation and growth. Further research is needed in order to comprehend the intricate balance between the three main components of the brain–gut axis: the CNS, the ANS, and the gut microbiota. In this paper we focused on the numerous effects on microbiota leading to a state of dysbiosis that can predispose to colorectal cancer via various mechanisms. These changes can have effects on metabolism of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. There is also need to elucidate the tumor genesis process of colorectal cancer, as it clearly plays a role with mutations in suppressor genes and onco-genes leading to the differentiation of normal cells to malignant cells. There is an urgency to identify risk factors and biomarkers to improve treatment outcomes throughout all cancer pathologies.

The mortality rates of colorectal cancer are projected to decrease in the coming decades with an increasing number of survivors. This goes to underline the importance of continued efforts to participate in a collaboration of care between multiple specialties. This collaboration requires an in depth comprehension of the challenges faced by patients, survivors, and their support network. Focusing on defining QOL quantification is a viable option moving forward. Much more research is required to further understand the causes that many survivors report as an increase in stress and poor adjustment after positive outcomes, which can stunt their ability for PTG. Development of positive coping mechanism using a biopsychosocial approach can allow better coping with the issues faced by many colorectal cancer survivors living with a stoma, either permanently or temporarily. Finally, there needs to be further understanding of the transition faced by each individual as they transition from active disease state to remission. The goal is to avoid the formation of the three-part process described as Guarding, where the positive behavior that was required during treatment can effectively become the chains that keep the patient tethered to the disease.

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