America successfully created a vaccine against 4 types of cancer

A team of authors from Tufts University (USA) has created a cancer vaccine designed to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize tumor antigens. This method creates a strong immune response and establishes long-term immune memory, reducing the possibility of tumor recurrence.

When testing this new vaccine on four types of cancer, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer and breast cancer, the results showed that the vaccine created a strong response of cytotoxic T cells, attacking growing tumors, preventing their further growth and metastasis.

American scientists have successfully created a vaccine that can destroy lung cancer tumors and many other types of cancer.

ILLUSTRATION: AI

However, not just the four types of cancer mentioned above, the research team hopes that this new vaccine can treat all types of cancer.

How vaccines work

The new cancer vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Notably, it is designed to treat rather than prevent.

Unlike traditional cancer vaccines that target specific antigens, this new vaccine uses lysates — mixtures of protein fragments taken from tumors, according to science news site ScitechDaily.

The key to increasing the efficacy of new cancer vaccines lies in the ability to direct tumor-derived antigens into cellular pathways where the immune system can effectively recognize the antigens.

When testing this new vaccine on four types of cancer, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer and breast cancer, the results showed that the vaccine created a strong response of cytotoxic T cells, attacking growing tumors, preventing their further growth and metastasis.

ILLUSTRATION: AI

We have greatly improved our cancer vaccine design by using it on any tumour for which we can generate lysates, even tumours of unknown origin, said lead author Professor Qiaobing Xu.

For better results and more effective prevention of cancer recurrence, the new vaccine can be combined with current treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

However, the authors also note that more clinical trials are needed before widespread use, according to ScitechDaily.