Recent research suggests that Clostridium-based tumor targeted therapy holds promise for the treatment of solid tumors. Upon systemic administration, various strains of non-pathogenic clostridia have been shown to infiltrate and selectively replicate within solid tumors. This specificity is based upon the unique physiology of solid tumors, which is often characterized by regions of hypoxia and necrosis. Clostridial vectors can be safely administered and their potential to deliver therapeutic proteins has been demonstrated in a variety of preclinical models.

from Asferd Mengesha, Ludwig Dubois, Kim Paesmans, Brad Wouters, Philippe Lambin and Jan Theys in Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic Era

Further reading: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic Era

Labels: bacteriology, bacterium, clostridia, clostridium, therapy, tumor