Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed BacID, a bacteria-based cancer therapy that uses genetically engineered, non-toxic Salmonella to target tumors and deliver therapeutic agents directly into cancer cells. The bacteria, administered intravenously, preferentially colonize tumors and release their drug payload only after being triggered by aspirin.
This precise mechanism minimizes harm to healthy tissue and avoids the severe side effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy. Preclinical studies have shown significant tumor reduction and long-term immunity in models of high-mortality cancers such as pancreatic and metastatic breast cancer.
Clinical trials are expected to begin in 2027, offering a promising new approach to treating aggressive cancers (no prostate at first but it's a pan-cancer solution).
SGLT-2 Inhibitors to (partially) “Starve” Glucose Dependent Cancers