The superbug that takes out cancer

It is hoped the test, which takes fluid from the womb, can give early warning to women carrying genes that increase their risk of the disease. Picture: Timothy Bernard

It is hoped the test, which takes fluid from the womb, can give early warning to women carrying genes that increase their risk of the disease. Picture: Timothy Bernard

Published Sep 3, 2013

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London - Doctors have developed a genetically modified bacteria to tackle cancer.

The bug, which is a member of the clostridium family and related to the bacteria behind botulism and the hospital superbug C. difficile, has been engineered by scientists to contain a gene that will help them battle tumours.

The idea is that the bacteria hunts down the cancer cells, and then releases a type of enzyme which makes them more susceptible to cancer drugs.

The bacteria, which is the work of a UK-based company, is still in the very early stages of development, but the team hope to start trials in the next five years. - Daily Mail

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