A recent research study indicates that the skin fungus Malassezia globosa may accelerate the progression of breast cancer tumors.
This widely encountered skin fungus, Malassezia globosa, can infiltrate deeper body tissues from the skin or through other pathways, leading to tumor development, as per the findings of a new study published in mBio, an open-access journal affiliated with the American Society for Microbiology.
“It is crucial to maintain proper skin care not just for aesthetic purposes, but also for overall health,” stated Qi-Ming Wang, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a professor at the School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development at Hebei University in Hebei, China. “We need to pay increased attention to microorganisms within tumors as potential factors that promote their growth.”
Recent research has increasingly highlighted connections between fungal populations and cancer. In this particular study, Wang and his team transplanted mouse breast cancer cells and injected M. globosa into the fatty tissue of the mammary gland. After the study concluded, they analyzed the tumor samples to determine the growth size and check for the presence of intertumoral M. globosa. The team found that the fungus established itself in the breast fat pads, facilitating tumor development. As a type of oil-loving yeast, M. globosa may utilize the fats in the breast area as a nutrient source, according to the researchers. Additionally, they identified the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17a/macrophage axis as a significant component in the ways M. globosa may accelerate breast cancer from the immune microenvironment perspective.
“Though this topic remains debated, the link between microbes and cancer is drawing more attention. An imbalance in microbial communities within the tumor could disrupt its microenvironment,” Wang explained. “For instance, Helicobacter pylori has been identified as a potential contributor to gastric cancer. Furthermore, Fusobacterium nucleatum is seen as a possible biomarker for colorectal cancer present in stool samples, and it is mainly found in the tumor microenvironment. Microorganisms—including bacteria and fungi—can either directly (such as by producing toxins) or indirectly (by suppressing anti-cancer immune responses) influence the pathways that lead to cancer. The disruption of microbial balance within tumors holds essential implications for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.”
Wang added that while they determined that M. globosa can enhance tumor growth, the exact methods of its transmission remain uncertain.
