In Situ Delivery and Production System (<i>i</i>DPS) of Anti-Cancer Molecules with Gene-Engineered <i>Bifidobacterium</i>

Abstract

To selectively and continuously produce anti-cancer molecules specifically in malignant tumors, we have established an in situ delivery and production system (iDPS) with Bifidobacterium as a micro-factory of various anti-cancer agents. By focusing on the characteristic hypoxia in cancer tissue for a tumor-specific target, we employed a gene-engineered obligate anaerobic and non-pathogenic bacterium, Bifidobacterium, as a tool for systemic drug administration. This review presents and discusses the anti-tumor effects and safety of the iDPS production of numerous anti-cancer molecules and addresses the problems to be improved by directing attention mainly to the hallmark vasculature and so-called enhanced permeability and retention effect of tumors.

Keywords

• solid cancer
• microenvironment
• hypoxia
• cancer therapy
• DDS
• anaerobic bacteria