Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with approximately 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can often cause severe side effects and don’t always result in complete remission. However, researchers at Columbia University in New York City have discovered a promising new approach: genetically engineering bacteria to kill cancer cells in mice. This breakthrough could pave the way for more effective and targeted cancer treatments for humans.
Researchers at Stanford University have managed to create a new treatment for skin cancer in mice by altering bacteria and microbes found on their skin. The discovery, which has been hailed as revolutionary, involved genetically modifying the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis to produce an immune response that could result in the destruction of metastatic skin cancer. The bacteria was applied to the fur of the mice, producing an immune response strong enough to kill skin cancer. Interestingly, using the altered bacteria produced an immune response that not only killed cancerous skin cells around the area where it was applied, but it also managed to shrink or kill cancerous cells some distance away. Tests in which the team of researchers swapped the skin cancer antigen for a prostate cancer antigen also saw a dramatic slowdown in tumor growth, suggesting that the research could be extended to other forms of cancer.
However, there are plenty of question marks around whether this exciting treatment can lead to a similarly strong immune response in humans. The initial successes of trialing the treatment in mice does not indicate that it will be effective in humans. Nevertheless, the researchers are optimistic that human trials will commence in a few years’ time and proves to be successful. Michael Fischbach, co-author of the research, is particularly optimistic, stating that “in humans, the bug [Staph epidermidis] will colonize more efficiently, potentially leading to a constantly renewing supply of tumor-specific T cells.”
It is important to note that the initial trials used mice with cancerous tumors on their flanks. These were then treated with “a gentle treatment” using bacteria, which proved successful. There was no inflammatory response either, which is notable. Staphylococcus epidermidis was chosen for the trial because it produces potent immune cells known as CD8 T cells, which can fight cancer and severe infections. Ultimately, the hope is to create a naturally occurring source of cancer-fighting cells in a patient’s skin by utilizing modified bacteria that will produce these cells on the skin. While it’s still early days for this kind of therapy, it’s a promising direction for cancer research that one day could lead to a cure for skin cancer and other types of cancers.
In conclusion, the development of genetically engineered bacteria to kill cancer cells in mice is a remarkable breakthrough that demonstrates the power of scientific research. While this technology is still in its early stages and requires further testing and refinement, the potential benefits for cancer patients could be life-changing. With continued dedication and innovation from the scientific community, we may one day see a world where cancer is no longer a devastating disease.
