Researchers are pioneering the use of synthetic programmable bacteria as a method to eliminate cancer cells, a project spearheaded by Texas A&M Engineering.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1009258
https://chat.openai.com/c/6cfb1180-0a40-409b-b230-817e653d2c44
A groundbreaking $20 million project led by Texas A&M University aims to create an affordable cancer therapy priced at just $1.
Imagine a world where cancer could be cured with a single dollar treatment.
A collective effort by several universities, backed by federal grants, is in the works to design an effective bacterial treatment for cancer. This innovative approach aims to increase treatment safety by targeting cancer cells more accurately, all within a single $1 treatment.
Traditional cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, often come with detrimental side effects and can vary in effectiveness. Financial burdens are also a significant concern, with many cancer patients experiencing severe financial strain due to the high costs of treatment. A report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network revealed that a considerable percentage of cancer survivors are worried about treatment costs, and many are incurring medical debt. In contrast, this new project aims to create a treatment that is both highly effective and cost-efficient.
The University of Missouri, in collaboration with Texas A&M University, is leading this initiative, which is funded by a $20 million grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). This four-year project is a part of the Cancer Moonshot initiative led by the current administration, aiming to boost cancer research funding. It is one of the inaugural projects of ARPA-H, a newly established agency focusing on creating impactful health solutions.
Pioneering Cell Analysis Techniques
$12 million from the grant is allocated to the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station/Texas A&M, where Drs. Arum Han, Jim Song, and Chelsea Hu are at the forefront, developing Synthetic Programmable Immune Killing Engineered bacteria (SPIKEs). These bacteria are engineered to assist T cells in eradicating cancer cells, and are designed to self-destruct and exit the body safely after their task is complete.
Dr. Han highlights that SPIKEs specifically target tumor cells without affecting healthy cells, greatly enhancing patient safety. His laboratory focuses on creating high-throughput microfluidic systems to rapidly screen bacterial therapeutics. These systems combine microfabrication and biotechnology, enabling precise and quick single-cell analysis.
Dr. Han also emphasizes the engineering challenge in creating microdevices capable of conducting millions of automated tests with minimal human intervention.
Enhancing Immune Response to Tumors
Dr. Song, with his expertise in immunology and bacterial immunotherapy, is working on improving the Brucella Melitensis bacteria. This bacteria is known to enhance T cell-mediated immunity against tumors and is currently being enhanced for treating various cancers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hu is ensuring that the bacterial treatment remains safe and controllable. The team uses an attenuated strain of Brucella, which is genetically modified for safety. They are working on controlling the growth and localization of the bacteria within tumor environments and designing them to self-destruct post-treatment.
Collaborative Effort and Future Prospects
This collaborative project also includes Drs. Zhilei Chen and Xiaoning Qian, with Dr. Paul de Figueiredo of Missouri University as the principal investigator. Dr. Han emphasizes the project’s focus on safety, cost-effectiveness, and targeted treatment. The team is excited to be supported by ARPA-H and to use unconventional methods to tackle significant health challenges.
The potential applications of this research extend beyond cancer treatment. Future projects may explore the use of engineered bacteria in treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, marking a new era in medical treatment. This innovative approach could significantly alter the landscape of medicine, offering new hope and healthier futures for millions.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Engineered Bacteria Cancer Therapy
What is the new cancer treatment being developed by Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University researchers, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, are developing a revolutionary cancer treatment using synthetic programmable bacteria. This method aims to target cancer cells precisely, enhancing treatment safety and effectiveness, all within a highly affordable $1 treatment.
How does the new cancer therapy work?
The therapy involves engineering bacteria, specifically Synthetic Programmable Immune Killing Engineered bacteria (SPIKEs), to aid T cells in attacking cancerous tissue. These bacteria are designed to target only tumor cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells, and are programmed to self-destruct and exit the body safely once their task is completed.
What makes this cancer treatment different from traditional methods?
Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which often have severe side effects and variable effectiveness, this new approach specifically targets cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissue. Additionally, its projected cost of $1 per treatment addresses the financial burden often associated with cancer care.
Who is funding this cancer treatment research?
The research is funded by a $20 million grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) as part of the Cancer Moonshot initiative. This initiative is focused on advancing cancer research and is supported by the current administration.
What are the future applications of this research?
Beyond treating cancer, the research team aims to use similar engineered bacteria for treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This represents a significant step forward in medical science, potentially transforming treatment approaches for various diseases.
More about Engineered Bacteria Cancer Therapy
- Texas A&M Engineering Cancer Research
- Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
- Cancer Moonshot Initiative
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
- Texas A&M Health Science Center
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5 comments
I read about the Cancer Moonshot before, but this takes it to a whole new level. Good job Texas A&M, rooting for you guys.
Wow, this is incredible! can’t believe they’re making a cancer treatment that only costs $1. It’s gonna be a gamechanger, for sure.
so they’re using bacteria to fight cancer? that’s some sci-fi stuff right there. Hope it really works as they say.
a $20 million grant, thats huge! I wonder how long before we see this in hospitals though. Fingers crossed it’s soon.
This could help so many people who can’t afford current cancer treatments. Amazing work by the researchers, truly life-saving stuff.