Work

Cancer Microbiology

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Microbes play important roles in cancer from direct carcinogenic effects to their use in treatment. Cancers caused by microorganisms account for approximately 15% of cancers, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Unique features of infectious carcinogens include their transmissibility, mutability, and specific immune interactions, which provide challenges and opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment. For these agents, infection control through exposure reduction, antivirals, antibiotics, and vaccines is cancer control. In addition, developing evidence suggests that microorganisms including the human microbiome can indirectly modulate cancer formation and influence the effectiveness and toxicity of cancer treatments. Finally, microorganisms themselves can be used to prevent or treat cancer. The convergence of these factors signals the emergence of a new field, cancer microbiology. Recognition of cancer microbiology will spur research, stimulate cross-disciplinary training, inform drug development, and improve public health.

Source: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute

DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab212

Authors: Daniel DiMaio, Brinda Emu, Andrew L Goodman, Walther Mothes, Amy Justice

Institutions: Yale Cancer Center, Yale University

Language: English

Topic: Viral-associated cancers and disorders

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases