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From genomics to cancer vaccines: patient-tailored or universal vaccines?
Lee M Nadler1, Joachim L Schultze
1Center for Experimental Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
There is little doubt about the existence of tumor-associated antigens and T-cell-mediated immune responses against cancer antigens. Antitumor immunity has been identified in many patients with very different types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is still no consensus regarding the correct targets to be used for cancer immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines and adoptive T-cell transfer of tumor antigen-specific T-cells. Certainly, functional genomics and proteomics will have implications on the field of tumor antigen discovery due to the possibility of molecular characterization of whole transcriptomes and proteomes of cancer cells, thereby also identifying potential new targets for cancer immunotherapy. Based on fundamental immunological knowledge, it is hypothesized that the most promising approach would be patient-tailored. Alternatively, if genes are identified in the majority of all cancers, a more universal approach to cancer vaccines can be envisioned. Success with these opposing strategies will greatly rely on whether it is possible to induce robust immunity against the antigens identified, whether technical and regulatory issues of patient-tailored approaches can be adequately addressed, and certainly also which approach will be economically more advantageous.
Insights
Identifying optimal targets for cancer immunotherapy remains a challenge. Future strategies may involve patient-tailored approaches or universal cancer vaccines, with success depending on robust immunity and practical considerations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Proteomics
Background:
- Tumor-associated antigens and T-cell responses against cancer are well-established.
- Antitumor immunity is observed in diverse cancer types, yet consensus on immunotherapy targets is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore potential targets for cancer immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines and adoptive T-cell transfer.
- To discuss the implications of functional genomics and proteomics in identifying novel cancer immunotherapy targets.
- To evaluate patient-tailored versus universal approaches for cancer vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of fundamental immunological knowledge.
- Hypothesizing promising strategies for cancer immunotherapy target identification.
- Consideration of functional genomics and proteomics for molecular characterization of cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Functional genomics and proteomics offer new avenues for identifying potential cancer immunotherapy targets.
- Both patient-tailored and universal cancer vaccine strategies are being considered.
- Key factors for success include inducing robust immunity, addressing technical/regulatory challenges, and economic viability.
Conclusions:
- The optimal strategy for cancer immunotherapy likely depends on robust immune responses and practical implementation.
- Patient-tailored approaches and universal vaccines present distinct advantages and challenges.
- Further research is needed to determine the most effective and economically feasible approach for cancer immunotherapy.