Malignancy represents a leading cause of mortality on a global scale; for instance, in the year 2020, it directly contributed to ten million fatalities. Current estimations indicate that infections by micro-organisms were implicated in approximately 13-18% of these cases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has, to date, identified thirteen distinct micro-organisms, encompassing viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as carcinogenic agents. Nevertheless, emerging research suggests the involvement of additional microbial categories in cancer development, with certain fungi being among them.
One such fungus is *Candida albicans*. Leire Aparicio Fernández, a researcher and academic at the University of the Basque Country (EHU), elucidated, “This fungus is an integral component of the human microbiota, habitually residing in the oral cavity, on the skin, and within the gastrointestinal tract and vaginal flora. While typically asymptomatic, it can occasionally precipitate severe health complications.” Over recent decades, a body of evidence has emerged suggesting a potential link between this fungus and the onset and progression of cancer.
Consequently, a study undertaken by the EHU’s MicrobiomicsEHU collective has, for the first time, elucidated the specific mechanism through which the *Candida albicans* fungus exacerbates the malignancy of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Dr. Leire Aparicio explained, “The fungus instigates the activation of multiple signaling pathways within the melanoma cells, thereby fostering an environment conducive to the reprogramming of angiogenesis and metabolism. In essence, it cultivates conditions that empower the cancerous cells to procure augmented oxygen and energy resources, facilitating their dissemination to the bloodstream and other bodily organs.”
The investigative work initially focused on examining various attributes associated with skin cancer. Aparicio elaborated, “For example, the investigation sought to ascertain whether the fungus exerted an influence on the migratory capacity, proliferative rate, or adhesive properties of melanoma cells.” She further stated, “Upon observing that the fungus facilitated the metastasis of these cells to distant sites, we delved deeper into the underlying mechanisms driving these processes.” The research findings indicate that “the fungus enhances the cancer cells’ migratory potential and promotes the formation of metastases. However, no significant alteration in cellular proliferation was observed.”
The Significance of Fungi
This research has definitively demonstrated that the fungus exerts a tangible influence on melanoma, “thereby opening a new avenue for alternative therapeutic strategies,” Aparicio added. “Current cancer treatments primarily target malignant cells directly. However, if we ascertain that fungi play a role, the application of antifungal therapies might prove beneficial in combating cancer. It is conceivable that, in the future, antifungal treatments could be employed as an adjunctive therapy for managing melanoma.”
The researcher from the MicrobiomicsEHU group at EHU emphasized the imperative for continued exploration across numerous domains. While the group investigates diverse microorganisms, Aparicio places particular emphasis on fungi. “We have extensively discussed viruses and bacteria, often overlooking fungi. It is crucial to acknowledge their cohabitation with us, as they are an integral part of our microbiota. Fungi may contribute significantly not only to diseases they directly induce but also to other pathological conditions. Our findings, for instance, provide evidence of their involvement in oncogenic processes.”
The researcher underscored the importance of the discoveries derived from this investigation. “The foundational work for this study spans many years. Cancer remains one of the most formidable diseases of our time, and efforts to combat it, while significant, can be considered incremental. It is vital to rigorously pursue novel therapeutic approaches to impede the progression of various cancer types.” Presently, the MicrobiomicsEHU research group is actively investigating whether “this fungus might exert a comparable effect on colorectal and intestinal cancer cells, considering the inherent heterogeneity of all cancer types.”
