Infection-driven bladder carcinogenesis: Molecular mechanisms of pathogen-urothelial cell interactions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Urology

Background:

• Bladder cancer (BC) is a common genitourinary malignancy.
• The role of infectious agents in BC etiology has been historically underestimated.
• Evidence suggests pathogens like Schistosoma haematobium, HPV, UPEC, and BK virus contribute to BC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on infection-driven bladder cancer pathogenesis.
• To identify gaps in understanding host-pathogen interactions in BC.
• To consolidate insights into the mechanisms by which infections initiate and progress BC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on infectious agents and bladder cancer.
• Analysis of proposed molecular mechanisms for pathogen-induced carcinogenesis.
• Synthesis of current understanding and identification of research gaps.

Main Results:

• Schistosoma haematobium promotes squamous cell carcinoma via iNOS-mediated DNA damage.
• HPV contributes to oncogenesis through p53 degradation, Rb inactivation, and telomerase activation.
• Recurrent UPEC infections facilitate carcinogenesis via chronic inflammation and genotoxic damage.

Conclusions:

• Infectious agents play a significant, though often underestimated, role in bladder cancer development.
• Detailed mechanistic insights into host-pathogen interactions are crucial for understanding BC pathogenesis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate these complex relationships and inform prevention/treatment strategies.