Hidden Bacteria Could Beat Cancer
- An international team of scientists has discovered a molecule produced by microbes within tumors that can control cancer progression and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
- Published September 10, 2025, in Cell Systems, the findings underscore the critical role of the tumor microbiome in cancer treatment.
- While the human microbiome - the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms living in and on our bodies - is well-known for it's impact on gut...
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Microbial Metabolite Shows Promise in Boosting Cancer Treatment
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An international team of scientists has discovered a molecule produced by microbes within tumors that can control cancer progression and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The research, focused on colorectal cancer, points to a new avenue for drug development and personalized cancer therapies.
Published September 10, 2025, in Cell Systems, the findings underscore the critical role of the tumor microbiome in cancer treatment.
While the human microbiome - the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms living in and on our bodies – is well-known for it’s impact on gut health and immunity, recent research reveals a surprising presence within tumors themselves. These tumor-associated bacteria aren’t simply bystanders; they actively influence tumor growth and response to treatment. The National Cancer Institute details the growing understanding of the cancer microbiome.
scientists are now investigating how these microbial communities affect cancer progression and how their metabolic products - the molecules they produce – can be harnessed for therapeutic benefit.
A Novel Anti-Cancer Metabolite Identified
The research team,led by scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) at Imperial College London and the University of Cologne,identified a specific metabolite produced by bacteria associated with colorectal cancer. This metabolite demonstrates a powerful anti-cancer effect, offering a potential new target for drug development.
Filipe, a researcher involved in the study, explained that the team didn’t just identify a natural product, but used it as a foundation for improvement: “Using the natural microbial product as a starting point, we were able to design a more potent molecule, effectively improving on mother nature.”
The study highlights the potential to create more effective cancer treatments by leveraging the natural capabilities of microbial metabolites. This approach coudl lead to drugs that enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapies.
Implications for Personalized Medicine
This discovery has notable implications for personalized medicine. The composition of the tumor microbiome varies between patients, suggesting that treatment strategies could be tailored based on an individual’s microbial profile. understanding a patient’s unique microbiome could help predict their response to chemotherapy and identify opportunities for targeted interventions.
The research emphasizes the importance of considering not only the patient but also their microbes when developing cancer treatment plans.This holistic approach could lead to more effective and less toxic therapies.
Funding and Collaboration
This study was primarily funded by the Leverhulme Trust, the Wellcome Trust/Royal Society, the DFG German Research Foundation, and the Medical Research Council. The collaborative nature of the research, involving institutions in the UK and Germany, underscores the global effort to understand and combat cancer.