Cancer is a significant threat to global health, and conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have limitations. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can provide a favorable condition for bacterial growth. Bacteria have been used as anticancer agents, and some species have been found to be well-suited for this purpose. The unique properties of bacteria, such as their ability to target solid tumors, produce specific compounds, and overcome vascular barriers, make them promising diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Bacteria can be engineered to produce specific compounds, stimulate an immune response, and colonize different body sites. Their inherent tropism for different types of tumors and their ability to overcome the vascular barrier make them suitable for use in tumor-targeting delivery. Bacteria can also be used as drug-delivery vehicles and immune modulators in tumor biotherapy.
This review briefly updates the most recent developments in bacteria for biotherapy and investigates different strategies to enhance the safety and efficiency of bacterial functionalization for biotherapy. The challenges and prospects for bacteria-based cancer treatments are also discussed. The potential of bacteria as diagnostic and therapeutic agents in cancer treatment is promising and warrants further research.