Bacteriophages as Therapeutic and Diagnostic Vehicles in Cancer

Evolution of nanomedicine is the re-design of synthetic and biological carriers to implement novel theranostic platforms. In recent years, bacteriophage research favors this process, which has opened up new roads in drug and gene delivery studies. By displaying antibodies, peptides, or proteins on the surface of different bacteriophages through the phage display technique, it is now possible to unravel specific molecular determinants of both cancer cells and tumor-associated microenvironmental molecules. Downstream applications are manifold, with peptides being employed most of the times to functionalize drug carriers and improve their therapeutic index. Bacteriophages themselves were proven, in this scenario, to be good carriers for imaging molecules and therapeutics as well. Moreover, manipulation of their genetic material to stably vehiculate suicide genes within cancer cells substantially changed perspectives in gene therapy. In this review, we provide examples of how amenable phages can be used as anticancer agents, especially because their systemic administration is possible. We also provide some insights into how their immunogenic profile can be modulated and exploited in immuno-oncology for vaccine production.

Automated summary

The evolution of nanomedicine involves redesigning carriers to create new therapeutic and diagnostic platforms. Bacteriophage research has shown potential in drug and gene delivery, with the ability to display specific molecular determinants on their surface. Phages can be used as carriers for imaging molecules and therapeutics, and their genetic material can be manipulated for gene therapy purposes. They hold promise as anticancer agents with the potential for systemic administration and modulation of their immunogenic profile for vaccine production in immuno-oncology.