Nature子刊：溶瘤细菌来了

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies has transformed cancer treatment paradigms, establishing these therapies as the fourth pillar alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy [2]. Group 1: Limitations of Current Therapies - The application of cancer immunotherapies in solid tumors is limited due to their insufficient ability to penetrate and act within immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, particularly in hypoxic core regions [2]. - Cancer patients undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy often experience immunosuppression, posing a significant challenge to the efficacy of immunotherapies [2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Current Research - Historical observations by Dr. William Coley in the late 19th century noted that bacterial infections could lead to tumor regression in some inoperable cancer patients, leading to the development of Coley's toxins [2]. - Current research published in Nature Biomedical Engineering describes a tumor-resident oncolytic bacteria consortium composed of A-gyo and UN-gyo, which demonstrated potent anticancer effects through selective intratumoral thrombosis and necrosis in mouse models [3][5]. Group 3: Mechanism and Efficacy of New Bacterial Therapy - The bacterial consortium showed complete tumor regression and extended survival in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mouse models without systemic toxicity or cytokine release syndrome [5]. - Mechanistically, the bacteria induce cytokine production, fibrin deposition, and platelet aggregation, leading to selective intratumoral thrombosis and extensive tumor necrosis [5]. - The natural, non-genetically modified bacteria provide a self-regulating and controllable strategy for safe, tumor-targeted therapy [7].