Clostridiaceae in Cancer Management

Abstract

Unfavorable epidemiological forecasts indicating a significant increase in cancer incidence and mortality, as well as limitations of traditional cancer treatment methods, prompt the search for new, more effective therapeutic strategies. In response to the difficulties in treating cancer resulting from the significant heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment and the presence of hypoxic and necrotic zones, anaerobic bacteria from the Clostridiaceae family, particularly those of the Clostridium genus, are attracting increasing interest. These bacteria can selectively grow in hypoxic areas of tumors while showing no affinity for healthy tissues. An additional advantage of these bacteria is their ability to produce toxins and enzymes that enable the lysis of cancer cells and activate the immune response. One of the most promising and distinctive strains is Clostridium novyi-NT, which lacks virulence factors and, in studies, has been shown to induce a strong cytolytic response. Modern genetic engineering has enabled the modification of Clostridiaceae bacteria to express enzymes that activate prodrugs, thereby significantly reducing systemic toxicity while targeting tumor tissue. Combining Clostridiaceae spore therapy with conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, significantly enhances their effectiveness, resulting in a highly beneficial synergistic therapeutic effect. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role and potential of Clostridiaceae bacteria in innovative anticancer therapies.