Cancer and its prevelance in Arthropods

November 12, 2020   4:55pm IST

   Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in humans. But are there any pieces of evidence of cancerous growths in arthropods? Do the most diverse group of creatures on earth suffer from tumorous growths too? Let’s find out.

According to some studies, insects like the stick insect have been seen to be infected by certain tumorous growths (pseudo-tumors) in their digestive systems. But, clear evidence of these tumors caused by oncogenes or a similar mechanism as humans is still unknown. However, malformations and deformities are seen in several groups of species in arthropods. Certain cancer-like formations are, hence, seen in some arthropods, but true neoplastic growths are rare.

There are chances that the cancer-causing genes in humans might lead to tumor formation when exposed to insects. But, as it is induced, therefore, it does not count to natural tumor generation mechanisms. Such a case is seen in Leucophaea maderae, in which tumors are developed after high severance of the recurrent nerve.

Now, let’s move in a little different direction: Can insects be used to cure cancer? Well, the answer to this is apparently YES! Several studies have shown that certain insects carry anti-cancerous substances in their body. For example, Allomyrina dichotoma (rhinoceros beetle) larvae were shown to have hepatoprotective and anticancer activities, certain extracts of Polyphaga plancyi were shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, defense secretions of the rove and blister beetles are seen to be potential anticancer therapies, the desert locus is found to be rich in sterols with therapeutic uses including anticancer benefits, etc.

Therefore, a little elaborate understanding and incorporating these insect-derived substances with chemotherapeutic drugs might aid in treating this dreadful disease.