Cancer vaccines, also called on covaccines, are one of many groundbreaking advancements in revolutionizing cancer prevention. Certain vaccines can protect healthy individuals from specific cancers instigated by viruses. Similar to vaccines for viruses such as chickenpox or the flu, these immunizations can fortify the body against such viral threats. However, the efficacy of this vaccine hinges on individuals receiving it prior to viral infection. There are currently 2 types of vaccines that prevent cancer that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves. This blog post will explore current preventative cancer vaccines and what they mean for the future of immunotherapy.
How Preventative Vaccines Work
Preventative vaccines work by triggering an immune response against cells that have undergone malignant transformation, specifically targeting the changed self-antigens. Foreign substances present in vaccinations alert the recipient’s immune system to elicit a response. When a patient is exposed again to the antigen, the response should be quicker and more substantial. However, many preventive cancer vaccines require unnecessary exposure to cancer antigens. These vaccines must be designed to ensure that the antigens do not increase cancer risk. This can make it difficult for the general population to favorably accept and apply preventive cancer vaccines in medical settings.
The Approved Vaccines
HPV Vaccine: This vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause cervical cancer as well as head and neck cancer. The FDA has currently approved HPV vaccines to prevent cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, anal cancer, and genital warts. HPV can also cause other cancers such as oral cancer that the FDA has not approved a vaccine for.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause liver cancer. Vaccines developed against HBV infection can help protect against the formation of HBV-related cancers.
Current Preventative Vaccine Treatment Options
Cervarix: This is an approved vaccine designed for preventing infection by the two primary strains of HPV responsible for most cervical cancers, HPV types 16 and 18. They can also aid in preventing the onset of HPV-related anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Gardasil: This vaccine is approved to protect against infection by HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11. Like Cervarix, it can help prevent the development of HPV-related anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Gardasil-9: This approved vaccine is much like the standard Gardasil vaccine, but it includes strains 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 in addition to strains 16 and 18. It can also prevent genital warts caused by HPV types 6 or 11. Like the other HPV vaccines, it helps prevent the forming of HPV-related anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, throat, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine (HEPLISAV-B): This is an approved vaccine that protects against infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It helps prevent the development of HBV-related liver cancer.
Current Developments
Thanks to the hard work of scientists around the world, several cancer vaccines for prevention and treatment are currently being tested and explored. Some areas of research include vaccines that prevent melanomas and prostate tumors. However, since the clinical trials are still in their early stages, it is too soon to determine how effective the vaccines are. Meanwhile, combination therapy may also be used in the development of vaccines to prevent further exacerbation of illness and create an environment that enhances the immune system’s effectiveness in responding.
Conclusion
Preventive cancer vaccines are revolutionary breakthroughs in medicine. The fight against cancer has been long and outstanding, but these vaccines provide hope for the future of oncology. Of course, not every cancer is the same and one vaccine may not work for even the same type of cancer. This, along with the fact that cancer cells closely resemble normal, healthy cells, is one of many reasons why the development of effective cancer vaccines remains challenging. Despite the barriers and uncertainties that lie ahead, it is worth being optimistic about a future that may finally be unburdened by the doom of cancer.
