Abstract Background: Today, the inhibitory effect of helminths on tumor cell growth has been proven. We investigated the anti-tumor activity of Marshallagia marshalli somatic against K562 cells. Methods: Different concentrations of M. marshalli somatic antigen were incorporated in the culture medium of K652 cells, and the proliferation and apoptosis were measured after 24, 48, and 72 h, using MTT and Annexin V/PI staining assay. Results: Treatment of cells with 1-2 mg/ml antigen for 24-72 h could suppress cell prolif- eration and increase apoptosis. While treating cells with 0.1 mg/ml antigen for 72 h could inhibit cell growth. There was no meaningful effect on treated cells in comparison with the control group (P< 0.05) after incubating cells for 24- 48 h with 0.1 mg/ml antigen. Conclusion: M. marshalli somatic antigen had an anti-cancer property, and its role in cancer treatment could be considered as an effective therapeutic method.

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