# Intratumoral microorganisms and artificial antitumor bacteria

## TL;DR

This paper explores how bacteria inside tumors can be used to develop new cancer treatments and diagnostics.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the potential of using engineered bacteria for controllable and precise cancer therapy.

## Key findings

- Intratumoral microorganisms influence tumor progression and treatment outcomes.
- Synthetic biology can program bacteria for better control in cancer therapy.
- Engineered bacteria may be combined with immunotherapy for precision cancer treatment.

## Abstract

Intratumoral microorganisms have been detected in multiple cancer types, which can significantly affect the tumor progression and antitumor treatment efficacy. Considering the important role of intratumoral microorganisms in cancer development, novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches based on living bacteria have received increasing attention in oncology. In addition to wild types, bacteria can also be programmed through synthetic biology techniques to enhance the spatial and temporal controllability. Therefore, once perfected, intratumoral microorganisms can be combined with immunotherapy or other powerful antitumor agents and possibly unlock the next generation of precision cancer diagnosis and therapy. Moreover, the current challenges and perspectives have also been discussed.