Protists and Cancer

Protists, a diverse group of eukaryotic unicellular microorganisms that are neither animals, plants, nor fungi, protozoa have historically been investigated in relation to parasitic illnesses and the effects they have on human health. But new and surprising research has revealed a link between protists and cancer that was previously unknown. This chapter highlights the new area of study that looks at the complex interactions between protists and many aspects of cancer treatment, progression, and development. The term “cancer” refers to over 100 malignant disorders. All malignancies are thought to begin with a single aberrant cell that spreads uncontrollably. The conversation includes current research that shows protists can affect the tumor microenvironment, change immune responses, and possibly even be involved in carcinogenic processes. It also looks into the various ways that protists could affect cancer cells, such as direct contacts, molecular signaling cascades, and host cellular machinery modification. Protist integration into the larger framework of cancer biology may open the door to novel strategies for cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, ultimately strengthening our capacity to fight this difficult and complicated disease.