For decades, scientists have been searching for answers about cancer and its causes.

While researchers have identified various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer, not much is known about the role of fungi in cancer growth. However, recent studies have revealed that fungi may play a bigger role in cancer than previously thought.

What are fungi?

Fungi are simple organisms that belong to a separate kingdom, distinct from plants and animals. Fungi comprise a vast and diverse group of organisms, with an estimated 1.5 million species of fungi worldwide.

They are essential components of our ecosystems, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil. Fungi are also used in a variety of industrial and medicinal applications, such as the production of antibiotics and food production.

What is the relationship between fungi and cancer?

Fungi are present in all living organisms, including humans. They inhabit our skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other areas of our body. In healthy individuals, fungi are usually kept in check by our immune system.

However, in certain cases, such as when our immune system is compromised, fungi can overgrow and lead to infections.

Recent research suggests that fungi may also play a role in cancer development. Various fungi have been found to be associated with different types of cancer.

For example, Aspergillus fumigatus has been linked to lung cancer, while Candida albicans has been found in breast cancer tissue. While these studies do not necessarily prove that fungi cause cancer, they do suggest a potential link between these two phenomena.

How were fungi found in cancerous growths?

Researchers looking to identify the source of elevations in the mycobiome, the gastrointestinal tract’s fungal community, in colorectal cancer patients found that fungal elements such as mushrooms are more frequently found in cancerous tissue.

Mushrooms occur less frequently in healthy tissue. They also identified the primary species of fungi present in cancerous growths: Malassezia restricta and Acremonium strictum.

Malassezia restricta

Malassezia restricta is a yeast-like fungus that is frequently found on human skin, particularly in sebaceous areas such as the nose and scalp. This fungus is usually harmless, but can cause skin infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Recent studies indicate that Malassezia restricta may also play a role in some types of skin cancer.

Acremonium strictum

Acremonium strictum is a filamentous fungus that is capable of producing mycotoxins, substances that can be toxic to humans and animals. It is commonly found in soil and decaying plant matter.

While some species of Acremonium have been found to have medicinal potential, others are known to cause harmful effects, including cancer.

What does this discovery mean for cancer research?

While the discovery of fungi in cancerous growths is significant, more research is needed to determine the exact role these fungi play in cancer development and growth.

Understanding the interaction between fungi and cancer cells could lead to new and better treatments, such as antifungal drugs that target specific fungi associated with certain types of cancer.

The discovery of fungi in cancerous tissue also emphasizes the need for greater attention to be paid to the mycobiome, or fungal community, in human health and disease.

While much research has focused on the microbiome, the community of bacteria that live in and on our bodies, fungi have largely been overlooked. Given recent findings, it is clear that fungi are an essential aspect of our health and well-being and merit further investigation.

Conclusion

The discovery of fungi in cancerous growths provides a new area of investigation for researchers looking to understand the complex causes of cancer.

With more studies being conducted and increasing focus on the role of fungi in human health, we may be able to develop new treatments and approaches to cancer therapy in the future.