Scientists have discovered a powerful anti-cancer bacterium living in the gut of a Japanese tree frog. The bacteria eliminated tumors in mice without causing serious side effects, raising hopes for a new treatment approach.

Researchers from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology studied frogs, newts, and lizards after noticing that these animals rarely develop cancer. They tested 45 bacterial strains to see if any could stop tumor growth.

Nine strains showed strong anti-tumor effects, but one stood out. A bacterium called Ewingella americana, found in the Japanese tree frog, removed tumors in mice after just one dose. Unlike other bacteria that only slowed cancer for a short time, E. americana stopped tumors from returning. Even when cancer cells were reintroduced after 30 days, the mice stayed tumor-free for another month.

Scientists found that the bacterium attacks tumors directly and also strengthens the immune system. It activates T cells, B cells, and neutrophils, which help the body fight cancer. Researchers believe the bacterium works well because it survives in low-oxygen environments like tumors. These conditions often weaken immune cells and reduce the effect of chemotherapy.

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Animal tests showed the treatment was relatively safe. The bacteria cleared quickly from the bloodstream, caused no lasting harm, and did not damage healthy organs. The injections were also more effective at shrinking tumors than several existing treatments, including the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.

Despite the promising results, scientists warned that much more testing is needed before human use. Since E. americana can cause infections in humans, safety will be a major concern. The study was published in the journal Gut Microbes. Researchers say the discovery highlights the huge medical potential hidden in nature and microbial life.