Bacteriophage-based therapies in oral cancer: A new frontier in oncology
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: , thereby restoring microbial balance and reducing the pro-tumorigenic effects of bacterial infections. Through the disruption of tumor-associated biofilms and modulation of cancer-promoting bacterial populations, phages may help mitigate the inflammatory responses that drive oral cancer progression. Additionally, phage therapy could complement existing treatments by sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Beyond their direct antibacterial effects, genetically engineered bacteriophages present novel opportunities for targeted cancer therapy. Advances in synthetic biology have enabled the development of phages capable of delivering therapeutic payloads, such as anti-cancer peptides, cytotoxic agents, and immune modulators. These engineered phages can be designed to selectively target bacterial species that influence tumor progression, offering a highly specific and precision-based approach to oncology. Moreover, phages can serve as vectors for cancer vaccines, facilitating antigen presentation and enhancing immune responses against tumor cells. In addition to therapeutic applications, bacteriophages hold promise in the field of cancer diagnostics. The ability of phages to selectively bind to specific bacterial biomarkers associated with oral cancer could be leveraged for early disease detection and non-invasive screening. Phage-based biosensors, for instance, have shown potential in identifying cancer-associated microbial signatures, paving the way for innovative diagnostic tools that could improve early intervention and patient outcomes. Despite their potential, several challenges must be addressed before phage-based strategies can be fully integrated into clinical practice. Phage resistance, immune system clearance, and regulatory barriers pose significant hurdles to the widespread adoption of phage therapy. Additionally, the complex interactions between bacteriophages, host immunity, and the tumor microenvironment require further investigation to optimize therapeutic efficacy and safety. Advancing research on bacteriophages in the context of oral cancer could revolutionize current treatment paradigms, providing more targeted, efficient, and patient-friendly alternatives to conventional therapies. By harnessing the natural specificity and adaptability of bacteriophages, clinicians and researchers can develop innovative approaches to combat oral cancer, ultimately improving patient care and clinical outcomes.
Source: Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,100
OpenAlex ID: W4408814982