Scientists have uncovered a potential new cancer treatment originating from gut bacteria found in a Japanese tree frog. Researchers discovered that one bacterial strain was able to completely eliminate tumors in mice without causing serious side effects, offering a promising new direction for cancer therapy.
The study was conducted by scientists at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, who turned their attention to amphibians and reptiles after observing that these animals rarely develop cancer. To explore this phenomenon, the team analyzed 45 different bacterial strains collected from frogs, newts, and lizards to assess their ability to inhibit tumor growth.
Out of the tested samples, nine bacterial strains demonstrated notable anti-cancer activity. However, one strain proved especially effective. The bacterium, identified as Ewingella americana and sourced from the Japanese tree frog, successfully eradicated tumors in mice after a single dose.
Unlike other bacteria that only produced short-term effects, E. americana prevented cancer from returning even when tumor cells were reintroduced a month later. The treated mice remained free of tumors for at least another 30 days, highlighting the bacterium’s lasting impact.
Further investigation revealed that the bacterium works in two ways: it directly attacks tumor cells while also strengthening the immune system. It activates key immune components, including T cells, B cells, and neutrophils, enhancing the body’s natural defense against cancer.
Researchers believe its success is partly due to its ability to survive in low-oxygen environments, such as tumors, where many treatments struggle to function. Animal trials showed the bacteria were cleared quickly from the bloodstream, caused no long-term toxicity, and did not harm healthy organs.
The treatment also outperformed several existing therapies, including the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, in reducing tumor size. Despite the encouraging results, scientists stressed that extensive testing is required before human trials, especially since E. americana can cause infections in people.
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The findings, published in the journal Gut Microbes, underscore the vast and largely unexplored medical potential of biodiversity and microbial ecosystems.
