- A bacterium from Japanese tree frog intestines, Ewingella americana, completely eliminated colorectal tumors in mice with a single dose.
- The bacteria attacks tumors directly and activates immune cells (T cells, B cells, neutrophils), showing dual anticancer mechanisms.
- Ewingella americana specifically accumulates in tumors due to low oxygen, leaky blood vessels, and cancer cell CD47 protein, avoiding healthy organs.
- The treatment is safe, with bacteria cleared from blood within 24 hours and no long-term toxicity observed in mice.
- Future research will test the approach on other cancers, like breast and pancreatic cancer, and explore combination therapies.
- The study highlights biodiversity as a valuable source for new medical treatments, especially for hard-to-treat cancers.