Columbia Researchers Develop Bacterial Vaccine to Fight Cancer
Scientists at Columbia University have created a new type of cancer vaccine using probiotic bacteria. This innovative approach trains the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, offering hope for personalized cancer treatments.
How It Works
The vaccine uses genetically modified E. coli bacteria to deliver protein targets, known as neoantigens, specific to a patient’s cancer. These neoantigens help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Research Findings
In studies with mice, the bacterial vaccine successfully reduced and even eliminated tumors in cases of advanced colorectal cancer and melanoma. The vaccine was more effective than previous peptide-based cancer vaccines.
Personalized Treatment
Each vaccine is tailored to the unique genetic mutations of a patient’s tumor. This customization aims to prevent cancer recurrence and improve survival rates.
Future Prospects
The researchers plan to further optimize the vaccine for safety and effectiveness before testing it in human patients. The goal is to create a fast and efficient treatment that can adapt to cancer’s ability to mutate.
Historical Context
The use of bacteria in cancer treatment dates back to the 19th century. This new approach builds on that history by using bacteria to precisely target and modulate the immune response against tumors.
Doubts Revealed
Columbia University -: Columbia University is a famous school in the United States where people study and do research. It’s like a big college where smart people work on important projects.
Bacterial Vaccine -: A bacterial vaccine is a special medicine made from bacteria that helps the body fight diseases. In this case, it’s used to help the body fight cancer.
Probiotic Bacteria -: Probiotic bacteria are good bacteria that help keep our bodies healthy. They are often found in foods like yogurt and can help our immune system.
Immune System -: The immune system is like the body’s army that fights off germs and keeps us healthy. It helps protect us from getting sick.
Genetically Modified E. coli -: E. coli is a type of bacteria, and genetically modified means scientists have changed its genes to do something special, like help fight cancer.
Neoantigens -: Neoantigens are new and unique markers found on cancer cells. They help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Mice Models -: Mice models are experiments done on mice to study how treatments work before trying them on humans. Mice are used because they are small and easy to study.
Cancer Recurrence -: Cancer recurrence means cancer coming back after treatment. The vaccine aims to stop this from happening.
Human Trials -: Human trials are tests done on people to see if a new treatment is safe and works well. It’s an important step before a treatment can be used by everyone.