麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Fungi and cancerous tumours: Scientists uncover association

This microscope image made available by the National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research in 2015 shows human colon cancer cells with the nuclei stained red. THE CANADIAN PRESS/NCI Center for Cancer Research via AP This microscope image made available by the National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research in 2015 shows human colon cancer cells with the nuclei stained red. THE CANADIAN PRESS/NCI Center for Cancer Research via AP
Share

Scientists have uncovered an association between tumours and fungi, which may lead to a deeper understanding towards the biology of certain cancers.

An international identified 35 types of cancer that carry traces of fungi lurking in various mutations of tumours 鈥 namely, those that originate in breasts, the colon, the pancreas and lungs.

The findings from scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine derived from more than 17,000 tissue, blood and plasma samples collected by researchers from cancer patients.

Although there are no definitive conclusions that could be drawn about the role fungi plays in the development and spread of these cancers, the peer-reviewed research indicates that there are significant correlations between specific fungi and age, tumour subtypes and survival measures.

鈥淭he existence of fungi in most human cancers is both a surprise and to be expected,鈥 Dr. Rob Knight, a professor at UC San Diego's School of Medicine and Bioengineering and Computer Science, said in a news release.

鈥淚t is surprising because we don鈥檛 know how fungi could get into tumors throughout the body. But it is also expected because it fits the pattern of healthy microbiomes throughout the body, including the gut, mouth and skin, where bacteria and fungi interact as part of a complex community.鈥

One of the authors of the study, Dr. Ravid Straussman, claims that these recent findings should 鈥渄rive us to better explore their potential effects and re-examine almost everything we know about cancer through a 鈥榤icrobiome lens.鈥欌

Dr. Gregory Sepich-Poore, another author of the study, said in the news release that looking through this "microbiome lens" might be a key piece to understanding the biology of cancer.

鈥淚t may present significant translational opportunities," he said. 鈥淣ot only in cancer detection, but also in other biotech applications related to [treatments and diagnostics.]鈥

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the 鈥楪ift-a-Family鈥 campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts 鈥 not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.