Microbial-based therapy of cancer: current progress and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bacteria have a long history in cancer treatment, but toxicity issues have limited their use.
• Recent advancements focus on developing safer and more effective bacterial-based cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on using bacteria and their products for cancer therapy.
• To discuss future directions in bacterial-based cancer treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of genetically engineered attenuated bacterial strains.
• Assessment of microbial compounds with specific anticancer activity.
• Exploration of bacterial products like proteins, enzymes, and immunotoxins.

Main Results:

• Genetically modified bacteria can convert prodrugs into cytotoxic drugs.
• Bacterial products can target cancer cells, inducing tumor regression via growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, or apoptosis.
• Novel strategies aim to minimize side effects associated with traditional bacterial therapies.

Conclusions:

• Bacteria and their products offer a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
• Further research into engineered strains and microbial compounds is crucial for clinical translation.
• Bacterial-based treatments hold potential for targeted cancer regression with reduced toxicity.