Novel insight into cancer treatment: Recent advances and new challenges

Recent advances in cancer treatment include various strategies, and bacterial therapy has emerged as a promising option. Certain species of bacteria have important antitumor properties, such as BCG, a weakened strain of M. bovis that is FDA-approved for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The engineered bacteria deliver therapeutic agents such as cytokines and antibodies, crossing physiological barriers and thriving in the tumor microenvironment. Bacteria elicit immune responses using pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and heat shock proteins, which promote the maturation of dendritic cells. Biofilm-forming bacteria influence metastasis, and Streptococcus agalactiae biofilm inhibits cancer cell adhesion. Bacterial peptides such as azurin and nisin target carcinomas with specific toxicity. MicroRNA-based therapies offer precision by regulating gene expression, specifically targeting telomerase to suppress cancer growth. Ribosome-targeted interventions and CRISPR-CAS gene editing emphasize genome-wide strategies. Nanovaccines, which use nanoparticles for antigen delivery, hold promise for cancer immunotherapy. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) proves effective in peritoneal carcinomatosis, highlighting its potential in cancer treatment. Targeted drug delivery systems such as aptamers and polymeric nanoparticles provide a specific and efficient means for delivering therapeutic agents while minimizing off-target effects. These multifaceted approaches highlight the dynamic landscape of modern cancer care and provide multifaceted tools to combat this complex disease.