Cancer vaccines stand as a beacon of hope in the realm of cancer treatment, diverging from traditional vaccines designed to prevent infectious diseases. Instead, they harness the power of the immune system to target existing tumors, opening new avenues in the fight against cancer. Nature.com explains it by saying, “Rather than teaching the immune system to recognize pathogens in advance of an infection, these vaccines use identifying proteins produced by cancer cells, known as antigens, to provoke a powerful immune response to existing tumors.”
According to Fierce BioTech, “The primary goal is to tackle minimal residual disease, which is when cancer is not detectable on radiographical images, but malignant cells can be found via a blood test. This is particularly common in blood cancers but can also occur with solid tumors.”
Current Research
During a session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting, Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighted that, “…the rise of mRNA is one of the reasons cancer vaccines have come back into the mainstream. The new technology has changed the game.”
A vaccine developed by Moderna and Merck, called mRNA-4157 was also discussed as, “The partners revealed plans for a phase 3 trial testing the vaccine in combination with Keytruda for post-surgery treatment of patients with resected melanoma that’s at high risk of recurrence in July 2023,” and they aren’t the only companies working on cancer vaccines. Along with Moderna and Merck, Fierce BioTech reported that at the session, “Limited durability data were presented at AACR on a candidate called ELI-002 developed by Elicio Therapeutics, with just three patients evaluable. The first-in-human study called AMPLIFY-201 included patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancers who received the synthetic long peptide vaccine, plus dual checkpoint blockade. The overall results showed direct T-cell responses in 84% of patients. But ELI-002 did not show durability. While T-cell responses were detected via blood samples at the annual follow-ups, the magnitude of response declined.”
How do the vaccines work?
At the core of cancer vaccines lie antigens, identifying proteins emanating from cancer cells. These antigens serve as the catalysts for provoking an immune response. Dendritic cells, pivotal players in the immune system, act as couriers, ferrying these antigens to other immune cells and inciting A robust T-cell response. Unlike conventional vaccines, which stimulate antibody-producing B cells, cancer vaccines must ignite a potent T-cell invasion on tumors. Once activated, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells launch a precise attack on the cancerous cells, striving to dismantle the tumor from within. Nature.com shares a detailed infographic to help show the process of how the vaccine works.
Promising Results
Recent advancements in cancer vaccine research have you led promising outcomes across various types of cancer. Personalized mRNA vaccines, tailored to individual patients, have showcased remarkable efficacy. In pancreatic cancer, these vaccines prompted T cells to target cancer neoantigens, leading to extended recurrence-free survival. Similarly, Nature.com, highlighted that for melanoma, “A phase II trial of a personalized mRNA vaccine showed a 44% decrease in the risk of post-surgical recurrence or death. A phase III trial is under way, with final results expected in 2029.”
Challenges Ahead
While optimism surrounds cancer vaccines, hurdles persist. Complex clinical trials, timing vaccine administration, and advanced T cell monitoring pose significant challenges. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for maximizing vaccine potential and reshaping cancer treatment.
In conclusion, cancer vaccines represent a paradigm shift in cancer therapy, offering a personalized and targeted approach to combat this formidable disease. While challenges persist, the remarkable progress and promising results the transformative impact of this innovative frontier in cancer treatment.
