Chinese scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the field of anti-cancer therapy, announcing the creation of a new molecular complex that could form the basis for more effective treatments for malignant tumors. The study, conducted jointly by specialists from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology and the Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Cell and has already caused a wide resonance in the scientific community.
In the course of the work, scientists focused on bacterial cancer therapy, using genetically modified strains of bacteria. Thanks to advances in synthetic biology, researchers were able to create a bioengineered bacterium that can selectively attack tumor cells. The main achievement was the discovery of a key mechanism that allows bacteria to bypass the body’s immune defenses and trigger a powerful anti-tumor response. This discovery not only explains previously unknown aspects of the interaction of bacteria with the immune system, but also opens up new possibilities for developing individual treatment regimens.
Experiments on animal models have shown that the new synthetic bacterium effectively suppresses tumor growth and reduces the risk of recurrence and metastasis. In addition, such bacteria can be used as carriers for the precise release of drugs directly into the tumor area, which significantly increases the safety and effectiveness of therapy compared to traditional methods.
In parallel with this direction, Chinese researchers continue to work on personalized anti-cancer vaccines. In December 2024, a nanovaccine was presented, created on the basis of tumor membrane antigens from the patient himself. This technology allows the body to recognize and destroy cancer cells remaining after surgery, preventing recurrence of the disease.
A personalized approach provides a powerful immune response and significantly reduces the likelihood of tumor recurrence.
Overall, recent developments in China demonstrate rapid progress in molecular oncology and immunotherapy. New methods based on synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and personalized vaccine prevention open up prospects for medicine to create safer and more effective means of combating cancer. Clinical trials of new drugs are expected to begin in the near future, which may lead to the appearance of fundamentally new anti-tumor agents on the market.
