Bacteria as Drug Delivery Vehicles in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat due to the dense matrix of collagen surrounding tumors. However, a recent study from the University of WisconsinMadison suggests a novel approach using bacteria to deliver nano-drugs could revolutionize treatment. Many pancreatic tumors are encased in collagen, creating a barrier that hinders traditional therapies. The research team identified specific oncogenic collagen types that contribute to this resistance, making immunotherapies less effective. To address this issue, engineered Escherichia coli bacteria were used to infiltrate the tumor microenvironment and deliver therapeutic drugs. The bacteria were equipped with 'protein cages' containing drugs that break down collagen and enhance the anticancer immune response. Through targeted delivery, the bacteria successfully penetrated tumors in animal models of pancreatic cancer, resulting in delayed tumor growth and improved survival rates. These findings offer hope for developing more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer and other malignancies characterized by dense collagen barriers.