Cancer ResearchFrog Bacterium Wipes Out Cancer Tumors in Mice with One Dose
Scientists at Japan's JAIST discovered that a bacterium from Japanese tree frog intestines can completely eliminate colorectal cancer tumors in mice with a single intravenous dose. The bacterium, Ewingella americana, achieved a 100% complete response rate in the mouse model, outperforming standard treatments including immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy. It works through two mechanisms: multiplying inside oxygen-deprived tumor tissue and activating immune cells like T cells, B cells, and neutrophils to attack cancer. Crucially, the bacteria concentrated almost exclusively in tumors and avoided healthy organs, suggesting a favorable safety profile. While results are limited to mice, researchers believe this living bacterial therapy could one day be adapted to treat many types of solid tumors in humans.
