Bacteriophage FNU1 negates Fusobacterium nucleatum induced cell growth, migration and chemotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancer cells

Background Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oncobacterium capable of promoting the growth and chemotherapy resistance of colonised tumours. Although F. nucleatum is usually susceptible to a range of antibiotics in vitro , these have been associated with worse outcomes when administered with anti-neoplastic chemotherapy. Bacteriophages are viewed as natural alternatives to antibiotics that provide bacterial-specific targeting. Methods In this study, we have employed an F. nucleatum specific bacteriophage, FNU1, to limit the effects of this oncobacteria in colon cancer and gastric cancer cell models. Results We demonstrated that FNU1 was able to negate the F. nucleatum induced growth stimulatory effects, migratory ability, autophagy, anti-apoptotic effects and chemotherapy resistance in these cell models. Conclusion Treatments with bacteriophage FNU1, therefore, have the potential to augment existing cancer therapy, and further testing in animal models is warranted.