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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Recent advances in therapeutic cancer vaccines
Neeha Zaidi1,2,3, Elizabeth M Jaffee4,5,6, Mark Yarchoan7,8,9
1Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract:
The success of cancer prevention vaccines targeting cancer-causing viruses has drastically reduced cancer mortality worldwide. However, the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines, which aim to elicit an immune response directly against cancer cells, has faced notable clinical setbacks. In this Review, we explore lessons learned from past cancer vaccine trials and how the field has progressed into an era of renewed promise. Previous vaccines primarily targeted tumour-associated antigens and were mainly tested as monotherapies in late-stage cancers. In contrast, contemporary vaccines focus on targeting tumour-specific antigens (neoantigens) and are showing initial evidence of clinical efficacy, particularly in early-stage cancers and precancers when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Advances in tumour profiling and novel vaccine platforms have enhanced vaccine specificity and potency. We discuss recent clinical trials of therapeutic cancer vaccines and outline future directions for the field.
Insights
Cancer prevention vaccines have succeeded, but therapeutic cancer vaccines faced setbacks. Newer vaccines targeting tumor-specific antigens show promise, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors in early-stage cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Cancer prevention vaccines targeting oncogenic viruses have significantly reduced global cancer mortality.
- Therapeutic cancer vaccines, designed to induce an immune response against cancer cells, have encountered substantial clinical challenges.
- Past trials often utilized tumor-associated antigens as monotherapies in advanced cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lessons learned from historical cancer vaccine trials.
- To explore the evolution of therapeutic cancer vaccines towards renewed clinical promise.
- To discuss advancements in vaccine strategies and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of past and contemporary therapeutic cancer vaccine clinical trials.
- Analysis of antigen targeting strategies (tumor-associated vs. tumor-specific antigens).
- Evaluation of combination therapies, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Contemporary vaccines targeting tumor-specific antigens (neoantigens) demonstrate initial clinical efficacy.
- Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors shows promise, especially in early-stage cancers and precancers.
- Advances in tumor profiling and vaccine platforms enhance specificity and potency.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic cancer vaccines are transitioning towards greater efficacy by targeting neoantigens.
- Combination strategies and early-stage intervention are key to future success.
- Continued research in vaccine platforms and clinical trials is crucial for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
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