Phage therapy as a revitalized weapon for treating clinical diseases.

Abstract

The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, coupled with the diminishing efficacy of antibiotics, has reinvigorated interest in bacteriophage (phage) therapy as a promising alternative, leveraging its unique bactericidal mechanisms and precise targeting capabilities. Concurrently, phage display technology has advanced tumor diagnostics and targeted drug delivery through high-throughput peptide screening. This review systematically evaluates the mechanisms, strategies, and clinical progress of phage-based applications in anti-infective and oncological therapies. Clinical evidence highlights its efficacy against respiratory, oral, wound, bloodstream, and urinary tract infections, alongside solid tumors. However, challenges persist, including limited host range, bacterial resistance, immunogenicity, inefficient delivery systems, and regulatory uncertainties. Future efforts should prioritize AI-driven phage optimization, standardized pharmacokinetic assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate clinical translation. Despite current limitations, phage therapy represents a transformative and scalable approach for combating antimicrobial resistance and advancing precision oncology, positioning it as a pivotal tool in addressing global health crises.