Mining parasites for their potential as novel therapeutic agents against cancer
Neha Sylvia Walter1, Shalmoli Bhattacharyya2
1Department of Biophysics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India.
Abstract:
Despite recent advances in the management and therapeutic of cancer, the treatment of the disease is limited by its high cost and severe side effects. In this scenario, there is an unmet need to identify novel treatment alternatives for this dreaded disease. Recently there is growing evidence that parasites may cause anticancer effects because of a negative correlation between parasitic infections and tumour growth despite some parasites that are known to exhibit pro-carcinogenic effects. It has been observed that parasites exert an anticancer effect either by activating the host's immune response or by secreting certain molecules that exhibit anticancer potential. The activation of the immune response by these parasitic organisms results in the inhibition of some of the hallmarks of cancer such as tumour proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review summarizes the current advances as well as the mechanisms underlying the possible implications of this diverse group of organisms as anticancer agents.
Insights
Parasites show potential as novel cancer treatments by stimulating host immunity or secreting anticancer molecules, offering alternatives to costly, side-effect-laden therapies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Current cancer treatments face limitations due to high costs and severe side effects.
- There is a critical need for novel and effective cancer therapeutic alternatives.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential anticancer role for certain parasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of parasites' anticancer effects.
- To explore the mechanisms by which parasites may inhibit tumor growth.
- To summarize the potential of parasites as novel anticancer agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the relationship between parasitic infections and cancer.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms of parasite-mediated anticancer activity.
- Synthesis of findings on immune activation and molecular secretion by parasites.
Main Results:
- Parasitic infections show a negative correlation with tumor growth in some cases.
- Parasites can exert anticancer effects by modulating the host immune response.
- Parasites may secrete molecules with direct cytotoxic or anti-tumorigenic properties.
- Immune activation by parasites can inhibit key cancer hallmarks like proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Parasites represent a promising area for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Understanding the mechanisms of parasite-host interactions is crucial for therapeutic development.
- Further research into parasite-derived anticancer agents could lead to innovative treatment strategies.
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