Phage Oncology: The Potential of Bacteriophages to Enable Targeted Therapies During the Treatment of Cancer

Abstract

Research examining the potential application of bacteriophages as a novel tool of medical oncology has expanded. The biological mechanism of phage display has prospectively enabled selective targeting of cancer tissues. The selectivity of viral bodies coupled with the variety of display proteins observed within viral populations, particularly amongst bacteriophages, has opened the door for the modification and utilization of the viruses for targeted cellular selection. The benefits of phage-based drugs for use in oncological medicine is potentially enormous and perhaps represent the answer to treating a variety of cancers. The research is ongoing and genetic interactions are complex. This paper will seek to provide an explanation of the biological mechanisms of phage targeting and their potential use as genetic modifiers in cancer cells.