Infection is currently one of the main contributors to carcinogenesis.In fact,the International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized eleven biological agents as group I carcinogens.It is estimated that around...Infection is currently one of the main contributors to carcinogenesis.In fact,the International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized eleven biological agents as group I carcinogens.It is estimated that around 16%of the 12.7 million new cancers diagnosed in 2008 were attributable to infectious agents.Although underdeveloped regions carry the highest incidence rates,about 7.4%of infectionrelated cancer cases occur in developed areas.Physicians are increasingly aware of the potential carcinogenic role of common virus like the Human Papilloma virus in cervical cancer,or the hepatitis B and C viruses in hepatocarcinoma.However,the carcinogenic role of several other infectious agents is less recognized.Given that gastrointestinal malignancies carry an overall poor prognosis,a better understanding of the carcinogenic mechanisms triggered by infectious agents is key to decrease the rate of cancer related deaths.Preventive measures directed to such infections would ideally impact survival.In this paper we review the main pathogenic mechanisms related to the development of gastrointestinal malignancies induced by infectious microorganisms and other pathogens which are currently under investigation.展开更多
文摘Infection is currently one of the main contributors to carcinogenesis.In fact,the International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized eleven biological agents as group I carcinogens.It is estimated that around 16%of the 12.7 million new cancers diagnosed in 2008 were attributable to infectious agents.Although underdeveloped regions carry the highest incidence rates,about 7.4%of infectionrelated cancer cases occur in developed areas.Physicians are increasingly aware of the potential carcinogenic role of common virus like the Human Papilloma virus in cervical cancer,or the hepatitis B and C viruses in hepatocarcinoma.However,the carcinogenic role of several other infectious agents is less recognized.Given that gastrointestinal malignancies carry an overall poor prognosis,a better understanding of the carcinogenic mechanisms triggered by infectious agents is key to decrease the rate of cancer related deaths.Preventive measures directed to such infections would ideally impact survival.In this paper we review the main pathogenic mechanisms related to the development of gastrointestinal malignancies induced by infectious microorganisms and other pathogens which are currently under investigation.