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Fungi and cancer
Aurelia Saftien1,2, Jens Puschhof3, Eran Elinav3,4
1Microbiome and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
Gut
|May 5, 2023
Summary
Fungi in the human microbiome are increasingly linked to cancer. This review explores how these fungi influence tumor biology and may offer new avenues for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Oncology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- The role of the microbiome in cancer is recognized, yet fungal components are understudied.
- Fungi, both commensal and pathogenic, may significantly influence cancer development and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the involvement of fungi in cancer-related processes.
- To explore mechanisms by which fungi impact tumor biology and host immunity.
- To examine the potential of fungal signatures in cancer diagnostics and treatment response assessment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of accumulating evidence on fungi and cancer.
- Discussion of proposed mechanisms of fungal influence on tumor microenvironment and systemic immunity.
- Analysis of prospects and challenges in utilizing fungal biomarkers for cancer management.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence suggests fungi play a role in modulating cancer-related processes.
- Fungi can influence tumor biology through local effects in the tumor microenvironment or remote effects via metabolites and immune modulation.
- Fungal-bacterial and fungal-host interactions are key areas for understanding their impact.
Conclusions:
- Fungi are likely significant components of mucosal and tumor-associated microbiomes.
- Understanding fungal roles in cancer could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into fungal inter-kingdom interactions is crucial for harnessing their potential in oncology.
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