Engineered Salmonella shrinks colon cancer in mice
Scientists engineer Salmonella to self-destruct in tumors, shrinking colon cancer in mice.
Why it matters
- Engineers Salmonella bacteria to self-destruct inside tumors, releasing immune-boosting signals.
- Shows promise in shrinking colon cancer in mice.
- Could lead to new "living medicines" for deadly cancers.
By the numbers
- Tested in two mice models: genetic and chemical-induced colorectal cancer.
- Increased ILC3 cells and decreased ILC1 cells.
- Some mice achieved complete tumor control.
The big picture
- Therapy could complement existing treatments by enhancing tumor visibility to the immune system.
- Potential adaptation for other hard-to-treat solid tumors.
What they're saying
- Study authors highlight potential for programmable living medicines.
- Comments include political remarks and links to the peer-reviewed article.
Caveats
- Study conducted in mice; human responses may vary.
- Risk of unintended infection or inflammation with live bacterial therapy.
- Full mechanisms and pathways not yet fully understood.
What’s next
- Researchers plan further testing, aiming for human clinical trials.