Advances of bacteria-based delivery systems for modulating tumor microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer progression.
• Modulating the TME is a key strategy in cancer therapy.
• Existing research primarily focuses on nanoparticle delivery systems for TME modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review natural bacteria-based anti-tumor systems for TME modulation.
• To analyze strategies employing bacterial carriers (whole bacteria, skeletons, components) to regulate TME.
• To examine clinical trials of bacteria-mediated cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on bacteria-based cancer therapy.
• Analysis of TME components and properties in relation to bacterial modulation.
• Compilation and review of clinical trial data for bacteria-mediated treatments.

Main Results:

• Bacterial carriers offer diverse strategies to regulate the TME for anti-tumor effects.
• Various bacterial components and whole bacteria have shown potential in preclinical and clinical settings.
• The review consolidates findings on bacteria-mediated TME modulation and therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Natural bacteria represent a promising platform for cancer therapy through TME modulation.
• Further research is needed to address challenges in designing bacteria-based carriers for clinical translation.
• This review provides critical insights into the potential of bacteria-based delivery systems in oncology.