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Malaria and cancer: common features and interactions
Xin-Zhuan Su1, Rachel V Stadler1, Awet A Teklemichael1
1Malaria Functional Genomics Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892-8132, USA.
Trends in Parasitology
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Malaria and cancer share similarities in cell replication, inflammation, and immune evasion. Research suggests malaria may offer anti-tumor immunity, with the VAR2CSA protein showing potential for cancer detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Malaria and cancer are significant global health challenges with high mortality rates.
- Despite being distinct diseases, they share common pathophysiological features such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, inflammation, immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the shared and unique characteristics of malaria and cancer.
- To investigate the potential of malaria to elicit anti-tumor immune responses.
- To evaluate the malaria protein VAR2CSA as a tool for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms in malaria and cancer.
- Review of studies on malaria's impact on tumor development and immune response.
- Investigation of the binding properties of the malaria protein VAR2CSA to cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Malaria infection can promote certain cancers like Burkitt lymphoma.
- Animal models suggest malaria may induce immune responses against tumors, improving survival.
- The malaria protein VAR2CSA binds to chondroitin sulfate A, present on metastatic cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between malaria and cancer can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
- The malaria protein VAR2CSA presents a promising avenue for targeted cancer detection and treatment strategies.
- Further research into these shared mechanisms may lead to integrated treatment approaches for both diseases.
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