Infections could hold key to progression of common form of blood cancer – research shows

Newly published research by academics from Hull York Medical School (HYMS) could improve the life chances of those affected by Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

CLL is the most common form of the blood cancer. Those affected are at significant risk of experiencing serious infections. One in five patients with the disease will die from those infections rather than from the cancer itself.  

Researchers at the Medical School have now identified the mechanism through which sufferers become more susceptible to a range of infections. Toxins associated with a common microbe (Staphylococcus aureus) found on the skin and in people’s noses and throat have been shown to “hijack” the immune responses of those with the cancer. 

Those toxins may promote cancer growth by reprogramming the body’s immune responses, increasing the risk of infections while weakening the natural immune defences against cancerous cells. 

Doctor Stefano Caserta, lead researcher, said: 

“Currently those diagnosed with CLL may be left untreated in a “wait and see” approach which may last up to 10 or 15 years. During this time, there is no way to tell when and if patients will develop a more aggressive cancer. 

“This research opens the way to more proactive approaches, such as managing patients’ exposure to this microbe, reducing the microbe they carry on the skin, avoiding irritants that damage the mucous membranes and protecting against cuts and abrasions to reduce the impact of infections. 

“It shows that microbial toxins render immune responses dysfunctional while promoting development of cancer cells at the same time. Repeated infections may make the tumour worse, progressing to a more severe stage. That’s an area that requires further research to better triage patients and ultimately improve their survival.  

“Future interventions may look at reducing patients’ carriage of common microbes. Our expectation is that, by reducing infections, a more proactive response may improve patients’ quality of life.”  

The research is published in Frontiers in Immunology.

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