Explained: What are cancer vaccines? Can they cure the disease?

Cancer vaccines represent a groundbreaking form of immunotherapy, designed to treat individuals who already have cancer rather than preventing an infection like traditional vaccines.

These vaccines are tailored to each patient’s specific cancer, aiming to help the immune system recognise and eliminate cancer cells while preventing their recurrence. Despite significant progress, extensive research and trials continue to explore their efficacy and potential as a definitive cure for various types of cancer.

How do cancer vaccines work?

Cancer vaccines are not like the traditional vaccines used to prevent diseases such as measles or COVID-19. Instead, they are therapeutic, intended to treat existing cancer by stimulating the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells.

This is achieved through a custom-built approach for each patient. A sample of the patient’s tumour is surgically removed and analysed through DNA sequencing, often with the aid of artificial intelligence, to create a personalised vaccine.

The number of cases involving cancer in 2022. International Agency for Research on Cancer

These vaccines work by sending instructions to the patient’s cells to produce antigens or proteins that can distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. The immune system then generates antibodies to recognise and attack these proteins, effectively targeting the cancer cells.

Do cancer vaccines give results?

Researchers are investigating various types of cancer vaccines across different cancers, including colorectal, lung, bladder, pancreatic, and kidney cancers.

Notably, a personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma has shown promising results, reported The Guardian. In a phase 2 trial, this vaccine significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence in melanoma patients. Despite these advancements, more research is needed to fully understand which cancers can be treated effectively with these vaccines and to what extent.

The NHS cancer vaccine launch pad

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has launched a pioneering scheme to give thousands of cancer patients access to clinical trials for these personalised vaccines. Dubbed the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, this initiative is a global first, aiming to match cancer patients with suitable clinical trials.

Elliot Pfebve, a 55-year-old lecturer diagnosed with colorectal cancer, was the first patient in the UK to receive a personalised vaccine through this program, said the NHS in a statement. His vaccine, created using mRNA technology, was designed to target specific mutations in his cancer.

The number of deaths involving cancer in 2022. International Agency for Research on Cancer

The NHS has already recruited dozens of patients into these trials, with the aim to significantly expand participation in the coming years. The trials involve taking a sample of the patient’s cancer tissue and blood to create a vaccine that targets specific mutations. Patients like Elliot Pfebve, who participated in the trial after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, have expressed hope that these trials will pave the way for more effective treatments for future patients.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, stated the significance of this development: “Seeing Elliot receive his first treatment as part of the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad is a landmark moment for patients and the health service as we seek to develop better and more effective ways to stop this disease.”

Pfebve shared his motivation for joining the trial: “Taking part in this trial tallies with my profession as a lecturer, and as a community-centered person. I want to impact other people’s lives positively and help them realise their potential. Through the potential of this trial, if it is successful, it may help thousands, if not millions of people, so they can have hope, and may not experience all I have gone through.”

Can cancer vaccines tackle the wider problem?

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The most common cancers included breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers. The leading causes of cancer death were lung, colorectal, liver, stomach, and breast cancers.

Despite advancements, cancer treatment varies significantly across different regions, with high-income countries having more comprehensive treatment options compared to low-income countries.

The top five most frequent types of cancer in 2022. International Agency for Research on Cancer

The introduction of cancer vaccines could revolutionise cancer treatment, potentially becoming part of the standard care alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

However, the process of creating personalised vaccines is time-consuming and costly. Researchers and doctors are hopeful that with ongoing trials and technological advancements, this process can be expedited in the future.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, highlighted the potential of these vaccines: “We know that even after a successful operation, cancers can sometimes return because a few cancer cells are left in the body, but using a vaccine to target those remaining cells may be a way to stop this happening.”

The development of cancer vaccines is a significant milestone in the fight against cancer. While they hold the potential to transform cancer treatment and offer hope for a cure, it is clear that the journey is still ongoing.