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Published on: September 16, 2019
Use of bacteria in anti-cancer therapies
Rachel M Ryan1, Jeffrey Green, Claire E Lewis
1Tumour Targeting Group, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK.
Abstract:
While a number of valid molecular targets have been discovered for tumours over the past decade, finding an effective way of delivering therapeutic genes specifically to tumours has proved more problematic. A variety of viral and non-viral delivery vehicles have been developed and applied in anti-cancer gene therapies. However, these suffer from either inefficient and/or short-lived gene transfer to target cells, instability in the bloodstream and inadequate tumour targeting. Recently, various types of non-pathogenic obligate anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria have been shown to infiltrate and selectively replicate within solid tumours when delivered systemically. This has prompted the development of cancer gene therapy protocols that use such bacteria as gene delivery vehicles. Here, we review the evidence for the success of these in pre-clinical models and clinical trials, as single modality treatments and in combination with conventional cancer therapies.
Insights
Bacteria offer a novel approach for cancer gene therapy, effectively targeting and replicating within tumors. This review explores their potential in pre-clinical and clinical settings, alone or combined with traditional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Despite advances in identifying cancer targets, effective tumor-specific gene delivery remains a challenge.
- Current viral and non-viral vectors face limitations like poor efficiency, short-lived expression, instability, and inadequate targeting.
- Non-pathogenic anaerobic bacteria demonstrate selective infiltration and replication within solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of bacterial-mediated gene delivery in cancer therapy.
- To evaluate bacteria as a novel platform for anti-cancer gene delivery.
- To assess the application of bacterial gene therapy in pre-clinical models and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Systemic delivery of non-pathogenic anaerobic bacteria.
- Utilizing bacteria's natural tumor-homing and replication properties.
- Reviewing pre-clinical data and clinical trial outcomes.
Main Results:
- Bacteria selectively colonize and replicate within solid tumors.
- Evidence from pre-clinical models and clinical trials supports bacterial efficacy.
- Bacterial gene therapy shows promise as a standalone or combination treatment.
Conclusions:
- Anaerobic bacteria represent a promising, tumor-selective delivery system for gene therapy.
- Bacterial gene therapy offers a viable alternative to conventional delivery vectors.
- Further research and clinical application of bacterial gene therapy are warranted.
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