Science Weekly The extraordinary promise of personalised cancer vaccines
May 2, 2024
Prof Alan Melcher from the Institute of Cancer Research discusses the promise of personalised cancer vaccines targeting glioblastomas and melanoma. They explore how mRNA vaccines reprogram the immune system to target specific cancer antigens, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment by stimulating the immune system for preventative strategies and early detection in immunotherapy.
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Cancer and the Immune System
- Researchers have long known the immune system can fight cancer, but directing it safely has been a challenge.
- Early attempts, like Coley's toxins in the 19th century, proved too toxic despite showing promise.
Cancer Vaccines
- Cancer vaccines aim to train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, similar to how vaccines work against viruses.
- The challenge lies in identifying cancer-specific antigens to avoid immune reactions against healthy cells.
mRNA Vaccines and Cancer
- COVID-19 vaccine development significantly advanced mRNA technology, benefiting cancer research.
- BioNTech, initially a cancer company, is now applying mRNA technology to cancer vaccines.