Muscat: Taif Obaid Al Qaidi, an Omani student at the University of A'Sharqiyah, has created a scientific study that focuses on cancer therapy using genetically modified bacteria. This success earned her first place, as well as the chance to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the Falling Walls Lab International Forum, which will be held in Berlin, Germany, in November.
The approach uses genetically modified bacteria as a unique vehicle to directly target the tumor microenvironment and attack it from within, either by generating anticancer chemicals or by destroying the tumor microenvironment. Alternatively, the immune system may be stimulated to combat the cancer.
According to Al Qaidi, the goal of the study is to create a targeted therapy that specifically targets cancer cells while minimizing the negative effects of chemotherapy. It also opens up new prospects in the subject of cancer.
She emphasized the potential benefits, such as the bacteria's ability to target tumor locations, reduce harm to healthy cells, and improve the possibilities of controlling or shrinking tumors. This provides fresh hope for treating complex situations that do not respond to standard treatments.
She stated that the initiative stands out for its use of smart microorganisms as a therapeutic strategy, in contrast to most projects that rely on chemical or radiation-based therapies. It combines biological therapy with genetic engineering, paving the way for individualized medicines adapted to each patient and their unique tumor type.
She also mentioned that the project's future goals include creating a bacteria-based prototype for clinical trials, working with international research centers and universities to Validate the treatment's efficacy and safety, expand the research to include several forms of malignant tumors, and patent the concept as an Omani contribution to the global war on cancer.
