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Trichinella spiralis and Tumors: Cause, Coincidence or Treatment?
Chengshui Liao1,2,3, Xiangchao Cheng1, Mingyuan Liu2,3,4
1The Key Lab of Animal Disease and Public Health/ College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China.
Background:
Conventional therapeutic strategies for tumors have had limited success, and innovative and more effective approaches to treatment are urgently required. The ancient idea that various biological, bacterial, yeast, viral, and parasitic agents can be used as cancer therapeutics has gradually attracted considerable interest. Certain parasites have been widely discussed in association with human and animal tumors. The purpose of this review was to examine previous literatures which investigates the relations between Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) and tumors.
Methods:
Using PubMed, articles published before 2018 in the whole world have been searched and comprehensively reviewed.
Results:
Many researches have provided proofs that T. spiralis possesses antitumor activities. The antitumor effect of T. spiralis was first described in the 1970s. However, its research has been inconsistent, and little progress has been made in this field. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects are still unclear, and convincing evidence of the links between T. spiralis and the prevention or treatment of tumors from clinical trials is absent. Meanwhile, some other researches also suggested that T. spiralis may cause or contribute to coinfection with a tumors.
Conclusion:
The review has highlighted the scientific literature focussing on evidence for T. spiralis to act as a pro- or antitumorigenic agent is summarized and discussed, in hope of contributing to a better understanding of the relations between T. spiralis and tumors.
Insights
Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) shows potential antitumor activities, but research is inconsistent. Further investigation is needed to clarify its role in tumor prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Conventional tumor treatments face limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- The use of biological agents, including parasites, as cancer therapeutics is gaining interest.
- Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) has been discussed in relation to human and animal tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze existing literature on the relationship between T. spiralis and tumors.
- To explore the potential of T. spiralis as an antitumor agent.
- To understand the dual role of T. spiralis in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search using PubMed.
- Review of articles published globally before 2018.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding T. spiralis and tumor interactions.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests T. spiralis possesses antitumor activities, first noted in the 1970s.
- Research on T. spiralis's antitumor effects is inconsistent, with unclear mechanisms.
- Some studies indicate T. spiralis may contribute to tumor coinfection.
Conclusions:
- The literature presents conflicting evidence on T. spiralis's pro- or antitumorigenic effects.
- Further research is required to elucidate the precise relationship between T. spiralis and tumors.
- Clinical trial data is lacking to confirm T. spiralis's role in tumor prevention or treatment.
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