Abstract: This paper describes the anti-tumor effect from parasite infection and the anti-tumor immune mechanism induced by several common parasites. The findings showed that when a host was infected with certain parasite, the cellular immunity would be enhanced, resulting in inhibited growth of the tumor cells, metastasis and tumor angiogenesis, and this mechanism was theoretically confirmed in several animal models. However, certain aspects, including the anti-tumor effect of parasite infection in clinic and whether there should be potential risks in humans following use of parasite-derived antigens, need further investigation.

Key words: Parasite, Infection, Antigen, Anti-tumor, Immune mechanism