Japanese Researchers Pioneer Bacteria-Based Cancer Treatment in Mice

A recent study conducted by researchers in Japan has showcased promising results in the fight against cancer by utilizing natural bacteria. The team, which includes experts from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and the University of Tsukuba, published their findings in a respected British journal in August. Eijiro Miyako, a bioengineering professor at JAIST, expressed ambitions to implement this novel technology in clinical settings to address cancers that are resistant to conventional treatments.

Rhodopseudomonas palustris, typically found in rice fields, and Proteus mirabilis, which has been previously detected in mouse cancer cells. Notably, these bacteria are attracted to the low-oxygen environments typical of malignant tumors.

In the experiment, the research group injected both bacteria into a cohort of 25 mice with tumors originating from human patients suffering from colorectal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. The results indicated that Rhodopseudomonas palustris efficiently drew Proteus mirabilis to the cancerous cells via the bloodstream. This interaction facilitated the rapid growth of Proteus mirabilis around the tumors.

Once established, Proteus mirabilis released a significant amount of protein that helped dismantle surrounding cancer cells and their blood supply, effectively starving them of nutrients. The bacterium further exhibited characteristics that allowed it to penetrate and destroy cancer cells. Remarkably, tumors that initially measured several hundred cubic millimeters began to shrink just days after the bacteria were administered and became undetectable within about a week.

While research involving bacterium-based cancer therapies has been scarce in Japan, clinical trials featuring a genetically modified bacillus are currently taking place in Europe and the United States. Miyako noted that his team plans to initiate the first phase of clinical trials within the next five to six years. The innovative findings were documented in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering on August 5.