Are intestinal fungi linked to the development of cancer?
Certain types of fungi that colonize the gut appear to be linked to the development of cancer. More precise knowledge of the connection might open up new early detection methods and therapeutic approaches and improve immune treatments. A research team from New York now wants to close the existing knowledge gaps in the field.
Dr. Iliyan D. Iliev is Professor of Immunology and Microbiology at the Weill Cornell Medicine in New York (United States). His research group has now received a $1.25 million grant from Cancer Research Institute for research into the connection between fungi in the intestine and the development of certain cancers such as colon cancer or pancreatic cancer.
First major study on the subject
The grant will allow the laboratory of Dr. Iliev now enable the relationships between certain fungal species and cancers to be examined more closely.
The professor had already proven in advance that those affected with the chronic inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of colon cancer. The working group was able to attribute the increased risk to a special composition of the intestinal flora in which certain fungal strains predominated.
“We found that some patients carry specific strains of fungi that spread and produce a toxin that affects inflammation,” explains Dr. Iliev.
Promising research approach
In the next five years, his team now wants to examine how the presence of certain fungi influences the development of Krebs and how this can be used for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. One goal of the research program is to improve immunotherapies once morest cancer.
What is to be examined?
As part of the study, Dr. Iliev and his colleagues are able to isolate different types of intestinal fungi and observe their effects in mouse models. The knowledge gained from this should then be checked in human cancer patients.
New actors in the development of cancer
like dr Iliev emphasizes that the intestinal fungi play a role in the development of cancer that has so far received little attention. “There have been reports of certain types of fungi being linked to pancreatic cancer, for example,” says the research leader.
“Now we have developed methods that allow us to assess microbial components in different tumor types in order to coordinate the hypothesis and the modeling in a timely manner,” explains Dr. Iliev. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Weill Cornell Medicine: Grant Funds Study of the Role of Fungi in Cancer Development and Immunotherapy (veröffentlicht: 18.07.2022), news.weill.cornell.edu
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.