Bacterial oncolytic therapy as a novel approach for cancer treatment in humans

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy often face certain limitations in treating cancer, such as toxicity, resistance, and ineffectiveness against different cancer types. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. One emerging area of interest is the use of bacterial oncolytic therapy. It employs the natural properties of bacteria to target and destroy cancer cells. Both natural and genetically modified bacterial strains have shown potential to target the hypoxic regions of tumors, which are often resistant to conventional treatments. These bacteria also produce therapeutic molecules that induce cancer cell death. Furthermore, they can stimulate immune responses against tumors, making them helpful in developing cancer vaccines and exploiting antitumor bacterial metabolites. The versatility of bacterial oncolytic therapy extends beyond direct tumor targeting. It can be combined with conventional methods to enhance overall treatment efficacy. Moreover, bacteria can also serve as delivery vehicles for anticancer drugs, ensuring more precise targeting and reduced side effects. Different bacterial genera, such as Salmonella, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, and Listeria, have demonstrated significant anticancer potential. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of bacterial oncolytic therapy, exploring its various applications and potential in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments.