Frog gut bacteria eliminates tumors in mice with single dose, study finds
Scientists in Japan have identified a bacterium from a Japanese tree frog that wiped out colorectal tumors in mice with one intravenous injection.
The bacterium, Ewingella americana, was discovered by a team at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology led by Prof. Eijiro Miyako. Out of 45 bacterial strains isolated from frogs, newts, and lizards, E. americana showed the strongest anti-cancer effect.
In mouse studies published in Gut Microbes, a single dose achieved 100% tumor elimination. The bacteria both attacked cancer cells directly and triggered the immune system. It outperformed standard therapies like anti-PD-L1 and chemotherapy in the model.
Safety data was also encouraging. The bacteria cleared from blood within 24 hours, did not colonize healthy organs, caused only mild temporary inflammation, and showed no toxicity over 60 days.
Researchers say the study highlights the medical potential of microbial biodiversity in amphibians and reptiles. Next steps include testing in breast, pancreatic, and skin cancers, plus new delivery methods and combination with current treatments.
