Halting Schistosoma haematobium - associated bladder cancer

Int J Cancer Manag. 2017;10(9):e9430. doi: 10.5812/ijcm.9430. Epub 2017 Sep 30.

Abstract

Background: At present schistosomiasis is endemic in 78 countries affecting more than 260 million people. Schistosomiasis haematobia alone affects more than 112 millions.

Material and methods: We performed a computerized search of Pubmed database with keywords: bladder cancer cost and schistosomiasis mass treatment.

Results: Bladder cancer is an important sequelae of this infection. In low-resource countries, where this disease is endemic, individuals inflicted with bladder cancer have very limited access to treatment and death is most probably certain.

Conclusion: Mass treatment with praziquantel is an easy, safe and inexpensive treatment that could save the lives of thousands and reduce the morbidity of millions.