Researchers at Chongqing Medical University have identified specific genetic changes that accompany colorectal cancer linked to schistosomiasis, an infection caused by parasitic worms known as schistosomes. The findings contribute a clearer picture of how this cancer develops and how it may respond to treatment, with the study published in Genes and Disease.
The study examined genetic data from both healthy and cancerous intestinal cells collected from 30 patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis-associated colorectal cancer. All participants were treated at Changzheng Hospital between 2014 and 2020. The team identified 2,476 mutations across 1,978 genes, revealing that schistosomiasis-related tumors harbor a distinctive genetic signature when compared to other colorectal cancers. Moreover, these genetic features appear to influence how the tumor interacts with the immune system and may affect responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Eight key genes emerged as drivers of tumor progression and patient survival within this cohort. Yet the authors caution that the small sample size warrants replication by additional research groups to validate these associations and to determine their generalizability across diverse populations.
Schistosomes are tiny parasitic worms capable of infecting multiple organs, including the stomach, intestines, bladder, lungs, and liver. Preventive measures emphasize thorough handwashing, washing fruits and vegetables before eating, and avoiding swimming in tropical waters where the worms are common. In some instances, schistosomiasis has been linked to cancers of the bladder, colon, and rectum. Estimates of the prevalence of colorectal cancer among those infected with schistosomes range broadly, reflecting regional differences in exposure and healthcare access. Further research will help clarify how these infections influence cancer risk and treatment outcomes across populations.
In this area of study, researchers are moving toward a more precise understanding of the molecular pathways involved in schistosomiasis-related colorectal cancer, which could guide future diagnostics and targeted therapies. By mapping the mutational landscape and identifying genes that affect prognosis and therapy response, science edges closer to personalized care for patients facing this disease.
Overall, the findings highlight a distinct molecular profile for schistosomiasis-associated colorectal cancer and underscore the need for larger, multi-center studies to confirm these preliminary observations and to explore their implications for screening, prevention, and treatment strategies in regions where schistosomiasis is prevalent. (Citation: Chongqing Medical University, Genes and Disease)