Researchers found that several regions of human throats and respiratory tracts can host diverse and abundant microbes, smaller and simpler life forms that can only be seen through microscopes.
Taking the advantage of the straightforward biology of these organisms, bioengineers showed that upon simple tweaking of these microbes, they can go reside inside the tumor cell clusters otherwise unreachable by oral drugs or injections. Hence, such microbes can deliver drugs inside the tumor clusters eliminating tumors cells at their root.
In addition, if carefully selected, such microbes may produce chemicals to stall tumor cells’ ability to hide from our immune system.
In this project, we are utilizing similar techniques to improve treatment efficacy of difficult-to-treat lung tumors without any additional toxicity.
Science, art and lifestyle 