Cancer Vaccines: What You Need To Know - CancerMitr
A vaccination involves introducing weakened or dead microorganisms into the human body, prompting the immune system to respond. Normally, we rely on our immune system to protect us from invading organisms unless the organism is particularly strong or our immune system is weakened. But what happens when our own body cells turn against us? Can the immune system still protect us, and is it possible to develop cancer vaccines?
Read on to learn more.
What is the immune system's role in cancer prevention?
The immune system fights cancer in our bodies every minute. Cancer arises from the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. Typically, cells undergo apoptosis, a self-destruction process when they become old or defective. Cancer occurs when this natural process fails due to genetic abnormalities. In such cases, the immune system, particularly cytotoxic T-cells (CD-8 cells), actively works to destroy harmful cancerous cells.
Research indicates that poor nutrition and subsequent weak immunity contribute to cancer development. Immunity tends to weaken with age, explaining why cancer is more prevalent among older individuals. However, the increasing incidence of cancer among younger people is a growing concern.
So, how can one activate their immune system against cancer?
What is a cancer vaccine?
A cancer vaccine is a type of immunotherapy specifically designed to either prevent or treat cancer by harnessing the power of the body’s immune system. These vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth and spread.
Cancer vaccines are different from preventive vaccines like HPV or Hep B. Preventive cancer vaccines aim to stop cancer from developing in healthy individuals by targeting viruses known to cause cancer. These vaccines help protect against infections that can lead to cancerous growth. Notable examples include:
- HPV Vaccine: This vaccine prevents infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical, anal, and other types of cancer.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: This vaccine prevents hepatitis B virus infection, significantly reducing the risk of liver cancer.
Whereas therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by boosting the body’s natural defences. They work by targeting specific antigens present in cancer cells, helping the immune system recognize and attack these cells. Examples include:
- Sipuleucel-T (Provenge): Approved for treating prostate cancer, this vaccine uses the patient’s own immune cells, which are modified to target prostate cancer cells.
- Oncophage: A personalized vaccine for kidney cancer made from the patient’s own tumour cells, though its approval status varies by country.
Cancer vaccines represent a promising frontier in medical research and development. Numerous clinical trials are underway to explore their potential in preventing and treating various types of cancer, offering new hope for patients and healthcare providers alike.
How do cancer vaccines work?
Cancer vaccines function by stimulating the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The immune system naturally identifies and eliminates foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Cancer vaccines enhance this ability, helping the immune system to identify cancer cells as threats. This process involves:
- Antigen Presentation: Cancer vaccines introduce specific antigens, proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, into the body. These antigens are unique to cancer cells and act as markers for the immune system.
- Immune Activation: Once introduced, these antigens stimulate the immune system, particularly T-cells, to recognize and attack cancer cells carrying these markers.
- Immune Memory: The immune system develops a memory of these antigens, providing long-term protection and helping to prevent cancer recurrence.
What are the advantages of cancer vaccines?
Cancer vaccines offer several significant benefits:
- Targeted Treatment: They provide a highly specific approach, targeting only cancer cells without harming healthy cells, reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
- Long-lasting Protection: By creating immune memory, cancer vaccines can offer long-term protection against cancer recurrence.
- Personalized Therapy: Cancer vaccines can be tailored to the individual, considering the unique characteristics of their cancer, leading to more effective treatment outcomes.
The field of cancer vaccines is rapidly evolving, with numerous clinical trials and research studies underway to develop new vaccines and improve existing ones. Scientists are exploring various strategies, such as combining cancer vaccines with other forms of immunotherapy, like checkpoint inhibitors, to enhance their efficacy.
In conclusion;
Cancer vaccines represent a promising frontier in cancer treatment, leveraging the power of the immune system to fight cancer more effectively and with fewer side effects. As research progresses, these vaccines hold the potential to transform cancer care, offering hope for more targeted and long-lasting treatments.
By understanding the role of cancer vaccines in immunotherapy, patients and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about treatment options, paving the way for a future where cancer is more manageable and potentially curable.