A Devil of a Transmissible Cancer.

Gregory M Woods,Silvana S Bettiol,A Bruce Lyons

doi:10.3390/tropicalmed5020050

Gregory M Woods, Silvana S Bettiol + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed5020050

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Abstract

Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) encompasses two independent transmissible cancers that have killed the majority of Tasmanian devils. The cancer cells are derived from Schwann cells and are spread between devils during biting, a common behavior during the mating season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a parasite as “An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from, or at, the expense of its host.” Most cancers, including DFTD, live within a host organism and derive resources from its host, and consequently have parasitic-like features. Devil facial tumor disease is a transmissible cancer and, therefore, DFTD shares one additional feature common to most parasites. Through direct contact between devils, DFTD has spread throughout the devil population. However, unlike many parasites, the DFTD cancer cells have a simple lifecycle and do not have either independent, vector-borne, or quiescent phases. To facilitate a description of devil facial tumor disease, this review uses life cycles of parasites as an analogy.

Highlights

For more than 50 years, Professor Goldsmid, in his memorable lectures to undergraduate students, would eloquently elaborate on the features of parasites
This review describes the life history of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) using the analogy that Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) can display some parasitic-like features
Evidence has been gradually accumulating that some Tasmanian devils can show an immune response to DFTD

Summary

Introduction

For more than 50 years, Professor Goldsmid, in his memorable lectures to undergraduate students, would eloquently elaborate on the features of parasites. This review describes the life history of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) using the analogy that DFTD can display some parasitic-like features. Evidence has been gradually accumulating that some Tasmanian devils can show an immune response to DFTD. The parasitic-existence of DFTD and co-evolution with Tasmanian devils will be maintained for the 100 years.

Results

Conclusion