Scientists turn probiotic bacteria into tumor-hunting cancer killers
Why it matters: This breakthrough could revolutionize cancer treatment by turning beneficial bacteria into precise, internal drug factories.
- Scientists engineered the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to produce the FDA-approved anticancer drug Romidepsin (FK228) directly within tumors in mice.
- This engineered bacteria successfully colonized tumors and released the drug, acting as a targeted treatment delivery system in both laboratory and live animal settings.
- The research establishes a foundation for bacteria-assisted, tumor-targeted therapy, aiming to make cancer treatments more effective and reduce systemic side effects.
- Further research is needed to examine potential side effects and strategies for safely removing the bacteria after treatment before human trials can begin.
Scientists have engineered a probiotic bacterium, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), to infiltrate tumors and produce the anticancer drug Romidepsin (FK228) directly at the site, offering a promising new strategy for targeted cancer therapy. This innovative approach, detailed in PLOS Biology, leverages bacteria as 'tumor-seeking drug factories' to enhance treatment effectiveness and potentially reduce side effects, though it's currently only tested in mice.
