What's Happening?
Scientists from Japan have engineered a bacterial cancer therapy that operates independently of the immune system, achieving complete tumor remission in mice. The therapy, known as AUN, uses a combination of Proteus mirabilis and Rhodopseudomonas palustris bacteria to target tumors directly, causing intratumoral thrombosis and necrosis. This approach could benefit immunocompromised patients who cannot undergo traditional immunotherapies. The study, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, demonstrates the therapy's efficacy in various cancer models, including colorectal and breast cancer.
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Why It's Important?
This breakthrough offers a potential new avenue for cancer treatment, especially for patients with weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy or radiation. By bypassing the need for immune system involvement, AUN therapy could provide a safer and more effective option for these patients. The research challenges the conventional reliance on immune-dependent therapies and opens up possibilities for drug-free cancer treatments.
What's Next?
The research team plans to launch a startup to further develop AUN therapy and conduct clinical trials in humans. If successful, this could revolutionize cancer treatment and expand therapeutic options for immunocompromised patients. The study also highlights the need for careful consideration of potential risks, such as drug resistance and infection, associated with live bacterial therapies.
