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Genetically Engineered Bacteria as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy Against Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Zahra Zahedifard1, Shirin Mahmoodi1, Abdolmajid Ghasemian2
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
Abstract:
As a significant cause of global mortality, the cancer has also economic impacts. In the era of cancer therapy, mitigating side effects and costs and overcoming drug resistance is crucial. Microbial species can grow inside the tumor microenvironment and inhibit cancer growth through direct killing of tumor cells and immunoregulatory effects. Although microbiota or their products have demonstrated anticancer effects, the possibility of acting as pathogens and exerting side effects in certain individuals is a risk. Hence, several genetically modified/engineered bacteria (GEB) have been developed to this aim with ability of diagnosing and selective targeting and destruction of cancers. Additionally, GEB are expected to be considerably more efficient, safer, more permeable, less costly, and less invasive theranostic approaches compared to wild types. Potential GEB strains such as Escherichia coli (Nissle 1917, and MG1655), Salmonella typhimurium YB1 SL7207 (aroA gene deletion), VNP20009 (∆msbB/∆purI) and ΔppGpp (PTet and PBAD), and Listeria monocytogenes Lmat-LLO have been developed to combat cancer cells. When used in tandem with conventional treatments, GEB substantially improve the efficacy of anticancer therapy outcomes. In addition, public acceptance, optimal timing (s), duration (s), dose (s), and strains identification, interactions with other strains and the host cells, efficacy, safety and quality, and potential risks and ethical dilemmas include major challenges.
Insights
Genetically engineered bacteria (GEB) offer a promising, safer, and cost-effective approach to cancer therapy by targeting tumors. These engineered microbes enhance conventional treatments, improving efficacy while minimizing risks.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global mortality and economic burden.
- Current cancer therapies face challenges including side effects, cost, and drug resistance.
- Microbiota within the tumor microenvironment can inhibit cancer growth but may also cause adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the development and application of genetically engineered bacteria (GEB) for cancer therapy.
- To highlight the advantages of GEB over wild-type microbes in terms of safety, efficiency, and cost.
- To discuss the potential of GEB in combination with conventional treatments for improved anticancer outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Development of genetically modified/engineered bacteria (GEB) for cancer diagnosis, targeting, and destruction.
- Utilizing specific GEB strains like engineered Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes.
- Investigating the synergistic effects of GEB with conventional cancer therapies.
Main Results:
- GEB demonstrate potential for selective cancer targeting and destruction.
- Engineered strains are anticipated to be more efficient, safer, and less invasive than wild-type bacteria.
- GEB used with conventional treatments significantly enhance anticancer therapy efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Genetically engineered bacteria represent a promising theranostic approach for cancer treatment.
- Further research is needed to address challenges such as optimal dosing, strain selection, and ethical considerations.
- GEB hold the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy by offering improved safety and efficacy.
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