Scientists from Chongqing Medical University have discovered what changes in the genome lead to the development of colorectal cancer (affecting the colon and rectum) associated with schistosomiasis – infection by parasitic worms called schistosomes. The research was published in the journal Genes and Disease.
The researchers used genetic data of healthy and cancerous intestinal cells from 30 patients with schistosomiasis-related colorectal cancer. All patients were diagnosed at Changzheng Hospital between 2014 and 2020. Scientists have found 2476 mutations in the 1978 gene. They found that the cancer associated with schistosomiasis is different from other malignant tumors of the intestine. Genetic features have also been found to reduce the susceptibility of this tumor to immunotherapy.
According to the study, eight key genes drive tumor progression and patient survival. Given the small sample size of the patients whose data were used in the study, the scientists’ conclusions need to be validated by other scientific groups.
Schistosomes are a genus of small parasitic worms that can infect the stomach, intestines, bladder, lungs, liver and other human organs. It is recommended to wash hands, fruits and vegetables before eating and avoid swimming in tropical waters to prevent infection. In some cases, these worms can lead to the development of cancer of the bladder, colon, and rectum. According to various estimates, the prevalence of colorectal cancer in those infected with schistosomes is 6-37%.
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