A recent study by researchers at Umeå University in Sweden has found that a toxin produced by cholera bacteria can slow the growth of colorectal cancer tumors without causing harm to the body. The research focused on MakA, a cytotoxin secreted by Vibrio cholerae, and its effects were tested in mice.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and ranks second in global cancer mortality. Standard treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often effective but can lead to significant side effects. With cases of colorectal cancer rising globally, there is ongoing interest in finding alternative treatment options.
In the study, systemic administration of purified MakA led to a marked reduction in tumor growth. The substance was found to accumulate specifically within tumor tissue. There, it increased cell death among tumor cells and reduced their ability to multiply. At the same time, MakA altered the cellular environment inside tumors by increasing levels of innate immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils—cells that play a role in inhibiting tumor growth.
The treatment did not cause harmful inflammation or negative effects on body weight, general health, or vital organ function in mice even after repeated doses. This suggests that MakA’s effect is localized and targets tumors specifically.
Further analysis showed that MakA promoted the formation of immune mediators within tumors that encourage cell death while maintaining mechanisms that protect surrounding healthy tissue.
"Although more research is needed, the results clearly show an interesting path for developing a new type of cancer treatment, which utilizes substances that bacteria create to both kill cancer cells and strengthen the body's own defences," said Saskia Erttmann, one of the lead authors behind the study.
The researchers note that additional studies are necessary to further explore MakA’s anti-cancer potential in other models and evaluate its suitability for future clinical use.
