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Therapeutic cancer vaccines
Mansi Saxena1,2,3, Sjoerd H van der Burg4, Cornelis J M Melief5
1Vaccine and Cell Therapy Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have undergone a resurgence in the past decade. A better understanding of the breadth of tumour-associated antigens, the native immune response and development of novel technologies for antigen delivery has facilitated improved vaccine design. The goal of therapeutic cancer vaccines is to induce tumour regression, eradicate minimal residual disease, establish lasting antitumour memory and avoid non-specific or adverse reactions. However, tumour-induced immunosuppression and immunoresistance pose significant challenges to achieving this goal. In this Review, we deliberate on how to improve and expand the antigen repertoire for vaccines, consider developments in vaccine platforms and explore antigen-agnostic in situ vaccines. Furthermore, we summarize the reasons for failure of cancer vaccines in the past and provide an overview of various mechanisms of resistance posed by the tumour. Finally, we propose strategies for combining suitable vaccine platforms with novel immunomodulatory approaches and standard-of-care treatments for overcoming tumour resistance and enhancing clinical efficacy.
Insights
Therapeutic cancer vaccines are advancing due to better antigen understanding and delivery. Overcoming tumor-induced immunosuppression is key to enhancing vaccine efficacy and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Therapeutic cancer vaccines have seen renewed interest, driven by advances in understanding tumor antigens and immune responses.
- Improved vaccine design aims for tumor regression, eradicating residual disease, and establishing long-term immune memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for improving therapeutic cancer vaccines.
- To discuss challenges posed by tumor-induced immunosuppression and resistance.
- To explore novel vaccine platforms and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on therapeutic cancer vaccines.
- Analysis of tumor-associated antigens and immune responses.
- Exploration of novel vaccine delivery technologies and immunomodulatory approaches.
Main Results:
- Tumor-induced immunosuppression and immunoresistance remain significant hurdles for vaccine efficacy.
- Advances in antigen identification and delivery platforms offer improved vaccine design.
- Antigen-agnostic in situ vaccines represent a promising new direction.
Conclusions:
- Combining advanced vaccine platforms with immunomodulatory agents and standard treatments is crucial.
- Strategies to overcome tumor resistance are essential for enhancing clinical efficacy.
- Further research into overcoming immunosuppression will improve cancer vaccine success.
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