Control Strategies for Carcinogenic-Associated Helminthiases: An Integrated Overview

Abstract

Helminthiases are extremely prevalent in the developing world. In addition, the chronic infection with some parasitic worms are classified as carcinogenic. Therefore, it is utmost importance to understand the parasite-host interactions, the mechanisms underlay carcinogenesis and how they could be counteracted. This knowledge may ultimately guide novel control strategies that include chemotherapy-based approaches targeting these pathogens and associated pathologies caused by their infections. Little is known on how some helminthiases are associated with cancer; however, it has been hypothesized that chemical carcinogenesis may be involved in the process. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on chemical carcinogenesis associated with helminthiases, along with available therapeutic options and potential therapeutic alternatives including chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Ideally, the treatment of the carcinogenic helminthiases should target both the parasite and associated pathologies. The success of any chemotherapeutic regimen often depends on the host immune response during the infection and nutritional status among other factors. The close association between chemotherapy and cell-mediated immunity suggests that a dual therapeutic approach would be advantageous. In addition, there is a pressing need for complementary drugs that antagonize the carcinogenesis process associated with the helminth infections.

How tapeworms interact with cancers: a mini-review

“…Some helminths are known as proven cancerogenic agents ( Clonorchis sinensis , Opisthorchis viverrini , Schistosoma haematobium ; these flukes belong to group 1 human carcinogens as of 2012 ( Bouvard et al, 2009 )). Human cancers caused by helminth infection may include cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, urinary bladder cancer, and other malignancies ( e.g ., Scholte, Pascoal-Xavier & Nahum, 2018 ; Correia da Costa et al, 2021 ; Wu et al, 2022 ). On the other hand, some helminths display possible cancer-suppressing ability which has been indicated by some epidemiological surveys for humans, animal experiments or in vitro (see below for details).…”