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Microbial pathogens and apoptotic anticancer therapy
1Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Salisbury, UK.
Abstract:
In spite of tremendous efforts to control cancer, the mortality associated with this disease has been increasing in developed countries in the recent decades. Inadequate efficiency of existing therapeutic regimens and the rise of multi-drug resistant cancer cells are the main factors which require a broadening of investigations into novel anticancer strategies. Enhancement of apoptosis in tumours has been suggested recently as a new anticancer strategy. It targets the disruption of equilibrium between cell proliferation and cell death in tumours and suggests to restore it through the use of pharmacological agents or genetic approaches. Apoptotic therapy has attracted many groups of investigators and several companies have entered the race to develop the first generation of apoptotic anticancer agents. The review discusses the role that pathogenic microorganisms may have as the source of agents for apoptotic therapy.
Insights
Novel anticancer strategies are needed due to increasing cancer mortality and drug resistance. This review explores using pathogenic microorganisms as a source for novel apoptotic therapy agents to enhance tumor cell death.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer mortality is rising globally, driven by treatment resistance and inadequate therapies.
- Restoring the balance between cell proliferation and cell death via apoptosis is a promising new anticancer strategy.
- Existing therapeutic approaches face challenges with multi-drug resistant cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of pathogenic microorganisms as a source for novel apoptotic therapy agents.
- To explore new avenues for cancer treatment beyond conventional methods.
- To highlight the role of microbial-derived compounds in cancer apoptosis induction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on cancer therapy, apoptosis, and microbial compounds.
- Analysis of studies investigating microbial agents for anticancer properties.
- Synthesis of information on the mechanisms of microbial-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic microorganisms can produce compounds with potent apoptotic effects on cancer cells.
- Microbial-derived agents offer a potential alternative to overcome multi-drug resistance.
- Several microbial species harbor promising candidates for the development of novel anticancer drugs.
Conclusions:
- Pathogenic microorganisms represent a valuable, yet underexplored, resource for developing innovative apoptotic cancer therapies.
- Further research into microbial-derived compounds could lead to a new generation of effective anticancer agents.
- Harnessing microbial agents for apoptosis induction may help combat rising cancer mortality and treatment resistance.