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Amphibian Bacterium Eliminated Bowel Cancer Tumors in Mice After One Dose
Researchers isolated Ewingella americana from amphibians and found a single intravenous dose eliminated tumors in mice. The study, published in Gut Microbes, showed dual action through direct cell killing and immune activation. The Independent reported the results from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
Jul 14, 4:14 AM·1m read1 source
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A bacterium found in the intestines of amphibians eliminated bowel cancer tumors in mice after a single intravenous dose, The Independent reported. Researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology collected 45 strains of Ewingella americana from Japanese tree frogs, fire belly newts and grass lizards.
Nine strains showed anti-cancer activity, and E. Americana produced the strongest results. The bacteria attacked tumors directly while attracting T cells, B cells and neutrophils to strengthen the immune response. The population grew roughly 3,000-fold inside tumors within 24 hours yet accumulated almost exclusively in cancerous tissue and spared healthy organs.
The bacteria cleared rapidly from the bloodstream, with a half-life of about 1.2 hours, and produced no signs of infection in the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys or heart. Scientists wrote that E. americana functions through a dual-action mechanism of direct tumor cell killing and robust activation of host immunity.
The study was published in the journal Gut Microbes. Researchers noted that the work establishes a foundation for developing naturally occurring, non-pathogenic bacterial therapeutics and underscores the importance of microbial biodiversity in cancer treatment strategies.
They said future studies will test the approach against additional solid tumors including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma.
