Work

Use of in vitro co-culture models to inform bacterial engineering for the treatment of solid tumours

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Engineered bacterial therapeutics are emerging as promising candidates for the treatment of solid cancers. However, despite effectively reducing tumour burden in different pre-clinical models, these "smart bugs" are yet to convincingly translate this efficacy to cancer treatment in humans. Here, we highlight key features of in vitro co-culture methods and how they can be used to investigate bacterial behaviour and guide the rational engineering of more effective anti-cancer bacterial therapeutics.

Source: npj Biomedical Innovations.

DOI: 10.1038/s44385-026-00075-9

Authors: Sara Foschini, Josephine A. Wright, Susan L. Woods, Rebekah de Nys

Institutions: Adelaide University, The University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Research and Treatments

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690