Researchers at University of Waterloo are exploring a new approach to cancer treatment that uses engineered bacteria to target and destroy tumors from the inside. The innovative research focuses on modifying naturally occurring bacteria so they can grow within oxygen-free regions of solid tumors and help eliminate cancer cells.
The project centers on a soil bacterium known as Clostridium sporogenes. This microorganism thrives only in environments where oxygen is absent, making it a suitable candidate for targeting the necrotic core of solid tumors. These inner tumor regions contain dead cancer cells, nutrients, and very low oxygen levels that allow the bacteria to survive and multiply.
According to Marc Aucoin, bacterial spores can enter tumors and begin growing in their oxygen-free centers. As the bacteria consume nutrients and expand, they colonize the tumor’s core and gradually help break down cancerous tissue. Researchers believe this process could provide a powerful new weapon against difficult-to-treat tumors.
However, scientists identified a major challenge. While the bacteria perform well in the center of tumors, they struggle to survive near the outer edges where small amounts of oxygen are present. This limitation prevents them from completely destroying tumors and reduces the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
To overcome this obstacle, the research team introduced a gene from a related bacterium with greater oxygen tolerance. The modification allows Clostridium sporogenes to survive longer in low-oxygen areas near the tumor’s outer regions. Researchers also developed a way to control when this gene becomes active to ensure the bacteria do not survive in healthy oxygen-rich parts of the body.
The team used a natural bacterial communication process known as quorum sensing to activate the gene only after enough bacteria have gathered inside a tumor. Initial studies confirmed that the genetic switch functions correctly. Researchers now plan to combine the oxygen-tolerance gene and quorum-sensing system into a single bacterium before moving toward pre-clinical tumor testing. If successful, the approach could open a new chapter in targeted cancer therapy.
Also read: Netanyahu Diagnosed With Cancer? Check The Latest Report
