biostudies-literatureXu SNational Natural Science Foundation of China103https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11951540biostudies-literatureUnknown23(1)<h4>Background</h4>The immediate perioperative period (IPP) usually is highly stressful and has significant effects on the postoperative recurrence/metastasis of tumors. Effective methods for limiting the impact of the IPP on postoperative recurrence/metastasis of tumors remain scarce. We aimed to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) treatment during the IPP on postoperative recurrence/metastasis of tumors and the stress response.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>The clinical perioperative setting was mimicked via tumor resection and perioperative restraint stress in tumor-bearing mice with or without DEX during the IPP. The stress response was assessed using stress hormone and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in peripheral blood. Tumor cell growth was measured via in vivo bioluminescent imWorld journal of surgical oncologyDexmedetomidine alleviates the pro-tumor activity of perioperative stress in tumor-bearing mice: an alternative approach of psycho-physiological intervention.PMC11951540N0.81870861Tong JXu STang YfalseDexmedetomidine alleviates the pro-tumor activity of perioperative stress in tumor-bearing mice: an alternative approach of psycho-physiological intervention.<h4>Background</h4>The immediate perioperative period (IPP) usually is highly stressful and has significant effects on the postoperative recurrence/metastasis of tumors. Effective methods for limiting the impact of the IPP on postoperative recurrence/metastasis of tumors remain scarce. We aimed to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) treatment during the IPP on postoperative recurrence/metastasis of tumors and the stress response.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>The clinical perioperative setting was mimicked via tumor resection and perioperative restraint stress in tumor-bearing mice with or without DEX during the IPP. The stress response was assessed using stress hormone and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in peripheral blood. Tumor cell growth was measured via in vivo bioluminescent im2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Mar2026-04-18T03:14:48.907Z2025-07-10T03:08:19.891ZS-EPMC119515404015603710.1186/s12957-025-03665-w