Can Candida Albicans Promote Cancer?

by | Apr 11, 2016 | 2016, Cancer

Written by Joyce Smith, BS.  Candida albicans (yeast) infections may increase cancer risk by producing carciogenic byproducts, triggering inflammation, and promoting immune cell activity and auto immunity, all of which support tumor growth. 

Although advances have been made in the treatment of this disease, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. 1 Many studies support the view that bacteria and viruses may play a lead role in cancers today. This review summarizes four different ways that C. albicans, an opportunistic fungus, increases the risk of cancer and metastasis. They are explained below:

Produces carcinogenic byproducts:

  • albicans produces carcinogenic nitrosamines, which activate proto-oncogenes that may trigger precancerous lesions. 2
  • albicans also produces a yeast fermentation byproduct called acetaldehyde which is both a mutagenic (DNA -damaging) and carcinogenic chemical with a wide spectrum of cancer promoting properties. 3 These properties along with tobacco and alcohol consumption, increase the risk of cancer.

Triggers inflammation:

  • Studies have shown that chronic inflammation, a hallmark of cancer, now plays an important role in microbial infections. 4 C. albicans promotes a cascade of inflammatory responses in the body when a suppressed immune system, wrong diet, and chemical exposures allows it to grow beyond its typical population density. In cancer patients with compromised immune systems, these misguided inflammatory responses increase tumor cell adhesion and promote secondary tumors and metastasis. 5 

Initiates ThIL-17 response:

  • The inflammatory response triggered by C. albicans produces a subset of immune cells (ThIL17 cells) These cells secrete factors that promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) as well as increase tumor incidence and growth. 6

Molecular mimicry:

  • Antibodies produced against integrin-like protein on the surface of Candida albicans have affinity to a receptor (CR3) present on leukocytes (white blood cells). “Molecular mimicry” occurs when antibodies against this C. albicans protein mistakenly attack leucocytes and interfere with the immune system’s ability to protect the body against C. albicans and tumor development. 7

This research substantiates the concept that candida overgrowth can contribute to cancer and indirectly raises a red flag to sugar and alcohol intake since both feed this yeast-like fungus. Therefore, the presence of C. albicans should be avoided in cancer patients. Furthermore, to develop successful treatments, more research to better understand the C. albicans – cancer connection is needed.

Source: Ramirez-Garcia, Andoni, et al. “Candida albicans and cancer: Can this yeast induce cancer development or progression?.” Critical reviews in microbiology 42.2 (2016): 181-193.

© 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. DOI: 10.3109/1040841X.2014.913004

Posted February 1, 2016.

References: 

  1. J F. GLOBOCAN 2012 Cancer Incidence and mortality worldwide: IARC CancerBase No.11. Lyon France: Interantional Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013. 2012;v1.0.
  2. Krogh P. The role of yeasts in oral cancer by means of endogenous nitrosation. Acta Odontologica. 1990;48(1):85-88.
  3. Manzo-Avalos S, Saavedra-Molina A. Cellular and mitochondrial effects of alcohol consumption. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2010;7(12):4281-4304.
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  5. Rodríguez-Cuesta J, Hernando FL, Mendoza L, et al. Candida albicans enhances experimental hepatic melanoma metastasis. Clinical & experimental metastasis. 2010;27(1):35-42.
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  7. Gustafson K, Vercellotti G, Bendel C, Hostetter M. Molecular mimicry in Candida albicans. Role of an integrin analogue in adhesion of the yeast to human endothelium. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 1991;87(6):1896.