+1 (629)348-3199Opinion Article - Journal of Parasitic Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy (2023) Volume 8, Issue 2
Parasites and cancer: An overview of the current research.
Parasites and cancer are two distinct yet interrelated topics in the field of biology and medicine. Parasites are organisms that live on or inside other organisms, called hosts, and derive their nutrients from them, often causing harm or disease in the process. Cancer, on the other hand, is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Interestingly, there is growing evidence to suggest that parasites may play a role in the development and progression of cancer. Some parasites have been shown to release molecules that can promote tumor growth and metastasis, while others may activate host immune responses that can either inhibit or promote cancer progression. In addition, certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can suppress the immune system and make the host more susceptible to parasitic infections. This highlights the importance of considering the potential interactions between parasites and cancer when developing new cancer therapies. Despite these intriguing findings, much remains unknown about the relationship between parasites and cancer, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying their interactions. Nevertheless, the study of these two fields holds great promise for the development of new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Author(s): Spratt Kosuke