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Exciting advancements in vaccine technology are paving the way for significant strides in the battle against cancer, the second leading cause of death in the United States. Researchers are exploring the development of mRNA vaccines specifically designed to target cancer cells after detection, according to Andrew Pekosz, a professor and vice chair at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent disease, these innovative mRNA vaccines would function as “therapeutic vaccines.” They would leverage similar technology to that used in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Pekosz elaborated on this concept during a recent briefing, highlighting the potential of these vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer.
“Once cancer is diagnosed, a vaccine can be crafted to target the unique proteins and markers presented by cancer cells,” Pekosz explained. “This approach enables the immune system to recognize and attack those specific cancer antigens, effectively ramping up the body’s defense mechanisms against the disease.”
As scientists continue to delve into this promising frontier, the potential impact on cancer treatment could be transformative, offering hope for improved outcomes and survival rates.
While some cancers have common antigens, mRNA technology could make personalized vaccines a reality. A physician could take a sample from a patient’s cancer cells and design a vaccine that targets their specific cancer.
“The speed in which you can make them is really unparalleled,” Pekosz said.
The vaccines are in early development, but are incredibly promising Pekosz said.
“I think the future there is really bright,” agreed Gigi Gronvall, an immunologist and professor at Johns Hopkins.
Gronvall reminded the audience there are currently two vaccines that do work to prevent cancer: the hepatitis B vaccine given to babies and the HPV vaccine for preteens and teenagers. “There is every reason to think that mRNA will be used as a platform to prevent both of those cancers and possibly others.”
Another promising advance in the fight against cancer is being studied at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, reports Nexstar’s KXAN. Researchers there at working on a chemotherapy drug that tricks the body into fighting cancer like it fights off a virus.