Bacteriophage FNU1 negates induced cell growth, migration and chemotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancer cells.

[BACKGROUND] is an oncobacterium capable of promoting the growth and chemotherapy resistance of colonised tumours. Although is usually susceptible to a range of antibiotics , these have been associated with worse outcomes when administered with anti-neoplastic chemotherapy. Bacteriophages are viewed as natural alternatives to antibiotics that provide bacterial-specific targeting.

[METHODS] In this study, we have employed an specific bacteriophage, FNU1, to limit the effects of this oncobacteria in colon cancer and gastric cancer cell models.

[RESULTS] We demonstrated that FNU1 was able to negate the induced growth stimulatory effects, migratory ability, autophagy, anti-apoptotic effects and chemotherapy resistance in these cell models.

[CONCLUSION] Treatments with bacteriophage FNU1, therefore, have the potential to augment existing cancer therapy, and further testing in animal models is warranted.