Bacteria-Mediated Synergistic Cancer Therapy: Small Microbiome Has a Big Hope

HighlightsIntroducing mechanisms of antitumor activation produced by bacteria-mediated bio-therapy in detail.Comprehensively reviewing multiple administration routes of bacterial bio-therapy in combination with different traditional anticancer therapeutic modalities over the recent 5 years.Discussing the potential benefits and challenges of this anticancer approach, and conveying the development tendency and the application prospect of this field. AbstractThe use of bacteria to specifically migrate to cancerous tissue and elicit an antitumor immune response provides a promising platform against cancer with significantly high potency. With dozens of clinical trials underway, some researchers hold the following views: humans are nearing the first commercial live bacteria therapeutic. However, the facultative anaerobe Salmonella typhimurium VNP20009, which is particularly safe and shows anticancer effects in preclinical studies, had failed in a phase I clinical trial due to low tumor regression and undesired dose-dependent side effects. This is almost certain to disappoint people's inflated expectations, but it is noted that recent state-of-the-art research has turned attention to bacteria-mediated synergistic cancer therapy (BMSCT). In this review, the foundation of bacteria-mediated bio-therapy is outlined. Then, we summarize the potential benefits and challenges of bacterial bio-therapy in combination with different traditional anticancer therapeutic modalities (chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species therapy, immunotherapy, or prodrug-activating therapy) in the past 5 years. Next, we discuss multiple administration routes of BMSCT, highlighting potentiated antitumor responses and avoidance of potential side effects. Finally, we envision the opportunities and challenges for BMSCT development, with the purpose of inspiring medicinal scientists to widely utilize the microbiome approach in patient populations.

Automated summary

Bacteria-mediated bio-therapy has shown promising antitumor effects and can be combined with traditional anticancer therapies for improved efficacy. While there are opportunities for development in this field, there are also challenges that need to be addressed.