Relationship between Parasites and Cancer
It is a fascinating area of research that highlights how chronic infections can influence cancer development. Here are some additional details and examples regarding how specific parasites are linked to cancer, as well as potential mechanisms involved.
Detailed Mechanisms Linking Parasites to Cancer
1. Chronic Inflammation and Tissue Damage:
– Chronic inflammation caused by parasitic infections can lead to cellular damage and DNA mutations over time. The immune response to a persistent infection can create an environment where normal cells become dysregulated. This is especially evident in the case of Schistosoma haematobium, which causes inflammation in the bladder and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder (López-Vidal et al., 2016).
