Japanese Researchers Discover Bacteria in Frogs That Can Fight Cancer

A study conducted in Japan found that a bacteria found in the intestines of Japanese tree frogs can eliminate colorectal cancer tumors in mice with a single dose.The research, led by the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), examined 45 different types of bacteria found in the intestines of Japanese tree frogs, Japanese fire belly newts, and Japanese grass lizards. One of these bacteria, Ewingella americana, showed the most promising results.In experiments on mice with colorectal cancer, the Ewingella americana bacteria was found to eliminate all tumors.The researchers noted that the findings are based on mouse experiments and that it is still unknown whether the method is safe and effective in humans.The bacteria fight tumors through two different pathways. The researchers found that the bacteria accumulate almost exclusively in tumor tissue and do not multiply in healthy organs.The experiments showed that the bacteria are cleared from the blood within 24 hours and cause only a temporary and mild inflammatory response. The researchers plan to test the method on other types of cancer.The scientists also plan to investigate whether the bacteria treatment is more effective when used in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. They emphasized that the study has not yet reached the clinical stage and that comprehensive safety and efficacy tests are needed before it can be used in humans.