Engineered bacteria may detect cancer tumor DNA

Engineered bacteria may detect cancer tumor DNA

Genetically Engineered Bacteria Could Revolutionize Cancer Screening

researcher-bacteria-dna Researchers are looking at using an engineered bacteria to help detect cancerous tumors. VICTOR TORRES/Stocksy

Most cancers can be successfully treated if they are diagnosed early enough.

The field of cancer diagnostics and treatment is on the brink of a revolution, as scientists have developed a breakthrough method that could potentially transform cancer screening. Researchers at the University of California at San Diego have successfully used CRISPR gene editing technology to engineer bacteria capable of detecting tumor DNA in mice colons. This remarkable achievement has opened up the possibility of a non-invasive diagnostic tool to identify cancer or pre-cancerous DNA, enabling doctors to treat patients before cancer spreads or worsens.

Cancer screenings of the future could be conducted using genetically engineered bacteria, a concept that was once limited to the realm of science fiction. While bacteria as biological sensors within animals have been utilized for some time, this new research represents a major advancement. The team of scientists has ingeniously engineered a bacterium, Acinetobacter baylyi, to ingest the DNA shed by colorectal cancer tumors, effectively allowing it to act as a sensor for cancer cells. When someone has cancerous cells in their body, the engineered bacteria will survive and signal their presence. Conversely, if someone is cancer-free, the bacteria will not survive and produce a negative result.

Dr. Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam, a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope Huntington Beach and City of Hope Irvine Sand Canyon, emphasized the importance of detecting cancer as early as possible. With colorectal cancer ranking as the third leading cause of cancer death in both women and men, the continued research in this area is vital. Detecting colorectal cancer in its early stages or when lesions are precancerous has the potential to significantly improve survival rates.

Moreover, Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an oncologist and medical director at Brio Medical, explained that biological sensors like the one developed in this study detect the active biological metabolism and evidence of cancer, rather than the cancer itself. This new approach may revolutionize cancer diagnostics by providing a more accurate and sensitive early detection method.

The study’s findings have been published in the prestigious journal SCIENCE, drawing attention from various experts in the field. Allan Gobbs, a member of the Review Committee of the National Cancer Institute, hailed the research as a significant scientific advancement. However, he also noted that applying this technology directly to cancer diagnosis and treatment may still be a distant prospect. Manipulating the human microbiome in a manner precise enough to develop a universal bacterial-based treatment strategy poses significant challenges due to the variability of microflora composition among individuals and its dynamic response to interventions.

While this research is undoubtedly groundbreaking, it may take considerable time before these methods become standard care. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of this biosensor. Comparisons with established screening methods such as colonoscopy, stool DNA testing, and genetic screening will also be crucial.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era in cancer diagnostics, the potential benefits of genetically engineered bacteria are vast. The ability to detect cancerous tumors at an early stage could significantly improve survival rates and reduce the burden of the disease. While there are challenges ahead, the scientific community remains determined to explore all avenues in the fight against cancer – an unwavering commitment driven by the desire to save lives and provide hope to patients and their families.