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A Common Parasite Might Raise Digestive Cancer Risk – And One Malaria Drug Could Help

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Atovaquone-proguanil and reduced digestive cancer risk a Toxoplasma gondii connection.DOI 10.108019490976.2025.2545412

A new study has found that a malaria drug called atovaquone-proguanil (A-P) might lower the risk of digestive cancers, including colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The reason may involve a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which often hides in the gut and may be more dangerous than we thought.

The study looked at over 100,000 people who took A-P and compared them to others who didn’t. Those who used the drug had about half the risk of getting digestive cancers. This protection was seen in people of all ages.

The researchers also checked stool samples from people with and without colorectal cancer. They found Toxoplasma gondii much more often in those with cancer. About 1 in 5 people with colorectal cancer had this parasite, compared to only 1 in 60 people without it.

Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite. You can get it from undercooked meat or from cat litter. Most people don’t feel sick from it. But this study suggests it could play a role in causing digestive cancers.

A-P is already used to treat malaria and other parasites. This study suggests it might also help prevent cancer by killing T. gondii. More research is needed before doctors recommend it for cancer prevention.

If you’re worried about your risk, talk to your doctor. Safe food handling, proper cooking, and regular cancer screenings are key steps you can take now.

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