In a preclinical study in mice, Univ. Penn researcher, Andrea Facciabene (literally “do well” in Italian) demonstrated that by treating mice with metastatic cancer with vancomycin, a common antibiotic, and then followed by hypofractionated RT (think SBRT), not only were the local cancer cells killed but distant metastatic sites (not specifically targeted) were also killed. This is known as the “abscopal effect” and up till now, had never actually been proven to be a real phenomenon. Vancomycin acts only on the gut microbiota, not systemically, It is this action on gut bacteria that is believed to stimulate the immune system via activation of dendritic cells, aka, antigen presenting cells. This is the mechanism used by Provenge to treat prostate cancer patients.”Based on our findings,” the study authors conclude, “we propose the use of gut modulation in a patient-specific manner in order to translate local antitumor effects of [radiation therapy] into a systemic response that can target metastatic disease.” The scientists are now working on translating their findings into a phase I clinical trial in humans. Let’s hope that Facciabene continues to “do well” with this research.To read the full article, click here: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/124332
