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Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
09:19

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Published on: February 6, 2015

8.8K

Bugs as drugs: neglected but a promising future therapeutic strategy in cancer

Mithoor Divyashree1, Shama K Prakash2, Vankadari Aditya1

  • 1Nitte University Centre for Science Education & Research (NUCSER), NITTE (Deemed to be University), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, Karnataka, India.

Future Oncology (London, England)
|February 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Microorganisms show promise for cancer treatment as indicators, immune activators, and therapy vectors. Overcoming challenges in controlling microbial infections is key to harnessing

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Rising cancer incidence necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Microorganisms offer potential as novel cancer treatment modalities.
  • The 'bugs as drugs' approach requires balancing therapeutic efficacy with safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of microorganisms in cancer therapy.
  • To explore interactions between microbes and the tumor microenvironment.
  • To discuss challenges and opportunities in microbial cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of microbial interactions in cancer.
  • Analysis of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in antitumor strategies.
  • Discussion of microbial applications in gene therapy, immunotherapy, and combined treatments.

Main Results:

  • Microorganisms can act as vectors for targeted drug delivery.
  • Some microbes possess intrinsic antitumor activities.
  • Combining microbial therapies with chemotherapy or radiotherapy shows potential.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial-based cancer therapy presents a promising but complex frontier.
  • Further research is needed to optimize safety and efficacy.
  • Overcoming challenges in microbial infection control is crucial for clinical success.
Keywords:
antitumor responseattenuationbacteria-mediated therapybiofilmsbiosurfactantscancer therapy

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