Malaria and Malignancies- A review

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria, a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium sp. is a substantial threat to global health. In recent years, the association of malignancies and malaria has been an interesting field of research. To date, Burkitt's lymphoma has shown a close association with Malaria in the sub-Saharan nations. The latest research targets the current anti-malarial medicines as a promising approach towards novel anti-cancer therapies. The complicated relationship between malaria, genetics, immune response, and cancer might help in exploring various pharmacological approaches that might help in the therapeutic approach to malaria and cancer. Further, in-depth in-vivo and in-vitro studies are needed to establish the link between malaria infection and cancer progression. Aims and Objectives: This review aims to explore the key associations of malaria and various malignancies and the possible anti-cancer effects of anti-malarial drugs. Materials and Methods: A critical review of 53 articles from 1987 to 2023 was conducted. Conclusion: • Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma shows a synergy with malaria, but more studies are needed to explore, for correlating the possible associations of malaria with other malignancies. • Non-hematological malignancies were shown not to have a strong correlation with malaria. • Anti-malarial drugs displaying anti-cancer properties could be a promising adjunct to current routine cancer treatment