Bugs as drugs to fight hereditary cancer syndromes in children

Prevention & Diagnostic Tools, Novel Therapeutics & Platforms, Pediatric Cancers

Pradipta Ghosh, PhD (UCSD)

Dennis Kuo, MD (Rady)

This proposal, from a transdisciplinary team of scientists, seeks to develop a new treatment for hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndromes, both representing conditions that greatly increase the risk of cancer. Currently there is no treatment that is effective in mitigating CRC risk in the predisposed children. We have developed innovative and precise computational tools and engineered bacteria whose use together can estimate, reduce and track the risk of cancer. This 12-month study tests the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in mice and human preclinical models. Success will advance us towards regulatory approval and could revolutionize treatment for CRC predispositions, offering new hope to those at high risk.