Cancer Vaccine – Types, Mechanism & Research
A cancer vaccine is an immunological preparation that activates the immune system to target and fight cancer cells. It can be used for prevention or treatment of cancer.
Things worth knowing about "Cancer vaccine"
A cancer vaccine is an immunological preparation that activates the immune system to target and fight cancer cells. It can be used for prevention or treatment of cancer.
What is a Cancer Vaccine?
A cancer vaccine (also called a tumor vaccine or oncovaccine) is a biological preparation designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Unlike conventional vaccines against infectious diseases, cancer vaccines do not target viruses or bacteria but instead focus on abnormal body cells that grow uncontrollably.
There are two main types: preventive cancer vaccines, which aim to stop cancer from developing in the first place, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, which are used to treat existing tumors in patients who are already ill.
Types of Cancer Vaccines
Preventive Cancer Vaccines
These vaccines protect against cancers caused by viral infections. Well-known examples include:
- HPV vaccine: Protects against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers.
- Hepatitis B vaccine: Prevents chronic hepatitis B infection, which can lead to liver cancer.
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines
These vaccines are administered to patients who already have cancer, with the goal of stimulating the immune system to fight the tumor. Several technologies are used:
- Dendritic cell vaccines: The patient's own immune cells are loaded with tumor antigens in the laboratory and then reinjected. Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) for prostate cancer is a well-known approved example.
- Peptide vaccines: Short protein fragments (peptides) from tumor cells are injected to trigger an immune response.
- mRNA cancer vaccines: Based on the mRNA technology made widely known by COVID-19 vaccines, personalized vaccines are being developed that target the specific mutations of an individual tumor.
- Vector-based vaccines: Viruses are used as carriers to introduce tumor antigens into the body.
Mechanism of Action
Cancer cells carry specific features on their surface known as tumor antigens, which distinguish them from healthy cells. A cancer vaccine presents these antigens to the immune system, prompting the formation of T-lymphocytes (T-cells) and antibodies that specifically recognize and attack tumor cells. This process can also establish an immunological memory that responds rapidly if cancer cells reappear.
Areas of Application
Cancer vaccines are approved or under investigation for the following conditions:
- Prostate cancer
- Melanoma (skin cancer)
- Lung cancer
- Cervical cancer (preventive, via HPV vaccination)
- Pancreatic cancer (in clinical trials)
- Various forms of leukemia
Current State of Research
The development of cancer vaccines is a highly active area of research. Personalized cancer vaccines, tailored to the specific genetic alterations of an individual patient's tumor, are showing promising results in early-phase clinical trials. Companies such as BioNTech and Moderna are developing mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines, often in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (a form of immunotherapy).
Some vaccines are still in clinical trial phases (Phase I to III), while others – such as sipuleucel-T – have already received regulatory approval.
Side Effects and Safety
Cancer vaccines are generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
- Short-term fatigue or tiredness
- Mild fever or flu-like symptoms
- In rare cases, autoimmune reactions, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue
The safety and efficacy of each vaccine are thoroughly evaluated in extensive clinical trials before regulatory approval is granted.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Cancer vaccines. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer (2024)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): Cancer Vaccines. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/cancer-treatment-vaccines (2024)
- Sahin U, Türeci Ö. Personalized vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. Science. 2018;359(6382):1355-1360. doi:10.1126/science.aar7112
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Verwandte Produkte
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.