Can Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection lead to cancer? Call for a paradigm shift in understanding TB and cancer

Abstract

Infections are known to cause tumours though more attributed to viruses. Strong epidemiological links suggest association between bacterial infections and cancers as exemplified by Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella spp. Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), has been reported to predispose patients to lung cancers and possibly in other organs as well. While this etiopathogenesis warrant inclusion of M. tb in IARC’s (International Agency for Research on Cancer) classified carcinogenic agents, the lack of well-defined literature and direct experimental studies have barred the research community from accepting the role of M. tb as a carcinogen. The background research, case studies, and experimental data extensively reviewed in Roy et al., 2021; provoke the debate for elucidating carcinogenic properties of M. tb. Moreover, proper, timely and correct diagnosis of both diseases (which often mimic each other) will save millions of lives that are misdiagnosed. In addition, use of Anti Tubercular therapy (ATT) in misdiagnosed non-TB patients contributes to drug resistance in population thereby severely impacting TB disease control measures. Research in this arena can further aid in saving billions of dollars by preventing the superfluous use of cancer drugs. In order to achieve these goals, it is imperative to identify the underlying mechanism of M. tb infection acting as major risk factor for cancer.