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Small Biological Fighters Against Cancer: Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Protozoa, and Microalgae
Pathea Shawnae Bruno1, Peter Biggers1, Niyogushima Nuru1
1Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA.
Biomedicines
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Small biological entities like viruses and bacteria offer novel cancer treatments. These natural agents can suppress tumors and improve therapy responses, enhancing patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Biomedicine
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global health issue, with multidrug and radiation resistance posing significant treatment challenges.
- Conventional cancer therapies often require combination with novel approaches to improve patient outcomes.
- The human microbiome and its components are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of small biological entities and their derived molecules in cancer prevention and treatment.
- To explore the application of microbes and viruses in overcoming therapeutic resistance and enhancing cancer therapy.
- To highlight the role of biomimetic and biology-inspired strategies in advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and microalgae in cancer research.
- Analysis of bioactive compounds, toxins, and structural components from these biological entities.
- Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies including viral vector therapy, bacteriotherapy, mycotherapy, and microalgae-based systems.
Main Results:
- Small biological entities demonstrate potential in preventing, suppressing, and regulating cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- Microbial components and their metabolites can modulate responses to conventional cancer therapies.
- Novel approaches like engineered viruses, fungal compounds, and microalgae-based microrobots are emerging as promising cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- Small biological entities and their derivatives represent a promising frontier in oncology, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
- Harnessing microbial and viral agents can overcome treatment resistance and improve therapeutic efficacy.
- Biology-inspired strategies utilizing these natural agents can significantly enhance cancer care and improve patients' quality of life.
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