Cancer vaccines: past, present and future; a review article
Eddie Grimmett1, Bayan Al-Share2, Mohamad Basem Alkassab1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Immunotherapy and vaccines have revolutionized disease treatment and prevention. Vaccines against infectious diseases have been in use for several decades. In contrast, only few cancer vaccines have been approved for human use. These include preventative vaccines against infectious agents associated with cancers, and therapeutic vaccines used as immunotherapy agents to treat cancers. Challenges in developing cancer vaccines include heterogeneity within and between cancer types, screening and identification of appropriate tumour-specific antigens, and the choice of vaccine delivery platforms. Recent advances in all of these areas and the lessons learnt from COVID-19 vaccines have significantly boosted interest in cancer vaccines. Further advances in these areas are expected to facilitate development of effective novel cancer vaccines. In this review, we aim to discuss the past, the present, and the future of cancer vaccines.
Insights
Cancer vaccines, a form of immunotherapy, face challenges like tumor heterogeneity but are advancing rapidly. Lessons from COVID-19 vaccines are boosting interest in developing effective novel cancer vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Vaccines have long been used for infectious disease prevention.
- Cancer vaccines, as therapeutic immunotherapy agents, are less common than preventative vaccines.
- Challenges include tumor heterogeneity, antigen identification, and delivery platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of cancer vaccines.
- To discuss the current state of cancer vaccine research and development.
- To explore the future prospects and potential of cancer vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on cancer vaccines.
- Analysis of challenges and recent advancements in cancer vaccine development.
- Examination of lessons learned from other vaccine technologies, such as COVID-19 vaccines.
Main Results:
- Few cancer vaccines are approved, though some target infectious agents linked to cancer.
- Significant progress has been made in addressing key challenges in cancer vaccine development.
- Recent advances and insights from other vaccine fields are revitalizing interest in cancer vaccines.
Conclusions:
- Cancer vaccine development is a complex but rapidly evolving field.
- Overcoming challenges in antigen identification and delivery is crucial for future success.
- The future holds promise for novel and effective cancer vaccines, informed by past experiences and recent breakthroughs.
