Frog Gut Bacterium Eliminates Cancer Tumors in Breakthrough Study

Researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) have discovered a revolutionary potential cancer treatment hidden within the digestive tract of the Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica). The bacterium, known as Ewingella americana, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to completely eliminate colorectal cancer tumors in mice with just a single intravenous dose.

The study, led by Professor Eijiro Miyako and published in the journal Gut Microbes, initially screened 45 bacterial strains from various amphibians and reptiles. These animals were chosen because they naturally endure extreme cellular stress and inhabit pathogen-rich environments, yet rarely develop spontaneous tumors. Among the nine strains that showed anti-tumor effects, E. americana was the most potent, achieving a 100% complete response rate in lab mice, significantly outperforming current standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

This "living medicine" functions through a dual-action mechanism. First, the bacterium is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it naturally seeks out the low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments found inside solid tumors. Within 24 hours of administration, the bacterial count within the tumor increases approximately 3,000-fold, where it secretes toxins to destroy cancer cells directly. Second, the bacterial invasion triggers a massive host immune response, flooding the tumor site with T cells, B cells, and neutrophils that further dismantle the malignancy.

One of the most significant aspects of this discovery is its tumor-specific precision. E. americana targets only the tumor environment, ignoring healthy organs and tissues. This selectivity is attributed to the tumor's unique metabolism, leaky blood vessels, and suppressed local immunity. Safety evaluations showed the bacterium is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream and causes only transient, mild inflammation that resolves within 72 hours. Furthermore, the bacterium is sensitive to antibiotics, providing a safety "off-switch" if needed.

While these results are currently limited to preclinical models, the research team plans to expand testing to breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. This discovery suggests that unexplored microbial biodiversity may hold the key to the next generation of precision oncology.

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🔖 Sources

Gut bacteria from amphibians and reptiles achieve complete tumor elimination in preclinical model

Frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer tumors in mice with a single dose

Scientists discover an amphibian gut bacterium 100% effective in destroying cancer cells in rats

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Keywords: frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer

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