UMass Scientists Develop Novel Bacteria-Based Cancer Therapy

A team of scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Ernest Pharmaceuticals has achieved a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment with the development of BacID, a bacteria-based therapy designed to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. This innovative approach offers hope for improving outcomes in high-mortality cancers such as liver, ovarian, and metastatic breast cancers, with clinical trials expected to begin in 2027.

Note: Although initial trials are not planned to include prostate cancer, the natural attraction of Salmonella to the tumor microenvironment of the prostate makes this approach worth monitoring closely.

At the core of this technology are genetically engineered Salmonella strains, meticulously designed to target and colonize tumors. The researchers have created a third-generation delivery system that is over 100 times safer than earlier iterations. This system provides precise control over when the bacteria invade cancer cells and release their therapeutic payload, significantly enhancing both safety and efficacy.

The BacID system operates through a series of carefully calibrated steps.
– Administered intravenously, the bacteria circulate through the body, preferentially colonizing tumors while being cleared from healthy tissues by the immune system within two days.
– On the third day, a standard dose of aspirin is introduced, triggering the bacteria to produce flagella, which allow them to penetrate cancer cells.
– Once inside, the bacteria activate a programmed “suicide circuit,” causing them to rupture and release the drug therapy directly into the cancer cells.
– Meanwhile, the bacteria multiply within the tumor, amplifying the drug’s concentration and effectiveness.

This innovative mechanism minimizes harm to healthy tissues and avoids the harsh side effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy. The integration of genetic engineering with a controlled aspirin-triggered release system ensures precise targeting of the tumor and robust safety measures. By amplifying the therapeutic drug within tumors, BacID represents a major improvement over existing cancer treatments.

With preparations underway to seek regulatory approval for clinical trials, this research highlights the immense potential of microbial-based therapies. The BacID system offers a new paradigm in cancer treatment, promising a targeted, safer, and more effective approach to tackling aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. If successful, it could transform the lives of patients facing some of the most challenging cancer diagnoses.

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