Researchers from Shandong University in Qingdao, China, announced on March 17 that they have engineered a probiotic strain of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to deliver an anticancer drug directly to tumors in mice. The study was published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology.
This research is significant because millions of people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and current treatments often struggle with the complexity of the disease. Scientists are exploring new ways to target tumors more precisely and reduce side effects.
In their experiments, the team used genetic engineering techniques to modify EcN so it could produce Romidepsin (FK228), a drug already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for its anti-tumor properties. After creating this modified bacterial strain, researchers injected it into mice that had been implanted with breast cancer cells. They found that EcN was able to colonize the tumors and release Romidepsin both in laboratory settings and inside living animals, effectively acting as a targeted therapy for tumors.
The authors said, "The probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), a potential member of tumor-targeting bacteria, shows great promise for cancer treatment. By leveraging engineered EcN, we can design a bacteria-assisted, tumor-targeted therapy for the biosynthesis and targeted delivery of small-molecule anticancer agents. Our mouse-model study establishes a solid foundation for engineering bacteria which are capable of producing small-molecule anticancer drugs and engaged in bacteria-assisted tumor-targeted therapy, paving the way for future advancements in this field." They added, "Escherichia coli Nissle 1917's tumor colonization synergizes with Romidepsin's anticancer activity to form a dual-action cancer therapy."
While these results are promising, further studies will be needed before this approach can be tested in humans. Researchers also noted that more work is required to identify possible side effects and develop methods for removing the engineered bacteria after treatment.
