A groundbreaking study, led by an international team from Adelaide and the United States, has unlocked a novel method for detecting bowel cancer that doesn’t rely on stool samples.
This research, published in Nature Communications, showcases the potential of a commonly used probiotic bacteria in identifying early tumors in the gut.
The team focused on the bacteria Escherichia coli Nissle. This strain was initially isolated in 1917 from a German soldier by Alfred Nissle and has since been used safely in people for treating gut disorders.
Remarkably, researchers found that Escherichia coli Nissle has a natural propensity to inhabit tumors rather than normal gut tissue.
The bacteria actively seek out tumors, including benign precursor lesions to bowel cancer (polyps) and bowel cancers themselves.
Capitalizing on this unique behavior, the team engineered the bacteria to release molecules that illuminate early cancers once they localize to the tumor.
Research author Georgette Radford explains that after oral dosing, the engineered bacteria reside selectively in the gut, indicating their presence in both polyps and bowel cancers.
According to researcher Susan Woods, this method offers a promising, non-invasive way to diagnose cancer early.
The bacteria release a marker detectable in urine once they locate the tumor, signaling the presence of cancer. The team is also working towards detecting this marker through a blood test in the future.
Beyond detection, the research holds potential for therapeutic applications. The bacteria can be manipulated to deliver treatments directly to the tumor site, offering a new way to treat early cancers with reduced side effects compared to conventional drug treatments.
Researcher Dr. Dan Worthley shares the team’s excitement about the probiotic bacteria’s tumor-homing capabilities, which were observed in people as well as experimental models.
This discovery opens a new avenue in cancer diagnostics and treatment, moving towards more targeted, efficient, and patient-friendly methods.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and new way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors.
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The research findings can be found in Nature Communications.
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