The Digester

A team at Shandong University modified a probiotic strain to synthesise and release romidepsin directly in mouse breast tumours, showing tumour colonisation and local drug delivery while stressing that human testing and safety work remain necessary.

Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 produced the approved anticancer drug romidepsin inside tumours in mouse models.
The bacteria successfully colonised tumours and released the drug in both laboratory and living tests.
The method aims to concentrate treatment at the tumour and may reduce systemic side effects compared with conventional therapy.
The findings are preclinical and the therapy has not been tested in humans.
Researchers say further studies are needed to assess safety, ways to control or eliminate the bacteria, and long term effects.

Engineered probiotic delivers anticancer drug to tumours in mice

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