There is a growing number of promising studies examining the role of Mycobacterium vaccae in the treatment of cancer. Although not viable, this bacterium has been shown to have a role in the progression of lung tumors. It was first isolated in 1971 from soil samples and sputum of a lung cancer patient in Uganda. It is now widely used as a cancer treatment agent and is also being investigated as a potential vaccine.
Mycobacterium Vaccae Hold the Key to Beating Cancer
In one of the first studies, Mary O’Brien, an oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, injected lung cancer patients with a harmless strain of Mycobacterium vaccae. She was testing the bacteria’s ability to fight drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and stimulate the immune system. Her study showed that patients inoculated with Mycobacterium vaccae had less anxiety and depression than those who were untreated. In addition, they showed a significant improvement in their vitality and cognitive functioning.
The prophylactic strategy involved transfecting B16 cells with the ESAT-6 antigen of M. tuberculosis and IL-21. The mice that were vaccinated showed reduced tumors and lung metastases buy spermidine. Another trial investigated ESAT-6-GPI DNA vaccines and evaluated their therapeutic efficacy by administering them to tumors. The vaccines reduced tumor growth in melanoma-bearing mice and induced tumor removal.