Probiotic Bacteria for Targeted Drug Delivery: Potential Applications in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Conventional cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy frequently fail to meet expectations owing to side effects include systemic toxicity, lack of selectivity, and drug resistance. Targeted medication delivery systems have recently gained attention as a potential way to improve treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects. This research delves at the idea of using probiotic bacteria as a fresh way to deliver drugs to specific areas in cancer treatment. Due to their unique properties, such as their ability to colonise specific environments, interact with the immune system, and be engineered for targeted actions, probiotic bacteria have the potential to enhance drug delivery systems. These bacteria are traditionally known for their beneficial effects on gut health. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the use of probiotic bacteria to deliver anti-cancer medications to tumour areas. It delves into the various methods of action, such as encapsulation techniques, genetic alterations, and the capacity to target the tumour microenvironment. The article emphasises the benefits of utilising probiotic bacteria, including their compatibility with the body, capacity to control immunological responses, and less systemic toxicity in comparison to traditional medicine delivery methods. On top of that, the article delves into the present status of clinical and preclinical research, highlighting important studies that prove the effectiveness and safety of drug delivery systems based on probiotics in cancer treatment. “The field is viewed in its entirety, including challenges such as regulatory barriers, strain selection, and potential safety concerns. Possible applications of probiotic bacteria in cancer treatment are discussed, such as boosting the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs. We recommend more studies to look into genetically engineered probiotics, how they interact with cancer cells, and how to evaluate their safety over the long run.