In 2024, significant advancements have been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the development of a potentially “universal” cancer vaccine. Here are some notes on this exciting ongoing research.
Based on the search results, there is as yet currently no single universal cancer treatement that has been fully developed and approved for use. However, several companies and research groups are working on developing universal cancer vaccine approaches:
1. Ultimovacs is developing UV1, a universal cancer vaccine candidate targeting telomerase, an enzyme expressed in about 90% of all cancer types. UV1 is currently being evaluated in one phase I and five phase II clinical studies, often in combination with checkpoint inhibitors[5].
2. CancerVax is working on a Universal Cancer Vaccine (UCV) platform that uses lipid nanoparticles with antibodies attached to precisely target cancer cells. They recently achieved a milestone in using “click chemistry” to attach antibodies to the nanoparticles for multi-signal targeting of cancer cells[4].
3. A universal cancer peptide-based vaccine called UCPVax, composed of two helper peptides to induce CD4+ T helper-1 responses, has been evaluated for safety and immunogenicity[3].
4. Mendus is developing vididencel, described as an allogeneic, off-the-shelf cancer vaccine that has shown immune responses in both acute myeloid leukemia and ovarian cancer patients[2].
It’s important to note that developing a truly universal cancer vaccine is challenging because:
– Different vaccines may be needed for different tumor types[1].
– Cancer is a complex group of diseases with varying molecular characteristics.
– Targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens may be necessary for broad effectiveness.
While progress is being made in developing cancer vaccines with broader applicability, a single universal vaccine effective against all cancer types has not yet been achieved. The field continues to evolve, with researchers exploring various approaches to create more widely applicable cancer vaccines.
Targeting Cancer’s MUC1 (Mucin 1) Glycoprotein
Another approach is targeting the MUC1 molecule. This updated approach leverages cutting-edge mRNA technology and a deeper understanding of tumor immunology to create a more potent and versatile therapeutic vaccine.
The new mRNA-based cancer vaccine targets the MUC1 (Mucin 1) glycoprotein, which is overexpressed in approximately 90% of all cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers[6]. MUC1 plays a crucial role in tumor progression, metastasis, and immune evasion, making it an ideal target for immunotherapy.
The vaccine’s mechanism of action is as follows:
1. mRNA Delivery: The vaccine contains mRNA encoding a modified version of MUC1, optimized for enhanced immunogenicity. This mRNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles for efficient cellular uptake[6][9].
2. Antigen Presentation: Once inside cells, the mRNA is translated into the MUC1 protein, which is then processed and presented on the cell surface via MHC class I and II molecules[7].
3. T Cell Activation: This presentation activates both CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ helper T cells, creating a robust and multifaceted immune response against MUC1-expressing cancer cells[7][9].
4. B Cell Response: The vaccine also stimulates B cells to produce anti-MUC1 antibodies, further enhancing the immune attack on tumor cells[8].
5. Memory Formation: The vaccine induces long-lasting memory T and B cells, potentially providing ongoing surveillance against cancer recurrence[7].
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results:
– In a Phase II trial involving 150 patients with various MUC1-expressing cancers, the vaccine demonstrated a 45% reduction in tumor progression compared to standard therapy alone[6][9].
– Patients receiving the vaccine showed significantly increased levels of MUC1-specific T cells and antibodies in their blood, correlating with improved clinical outcomes[7].
– The vaccine appears to be effective against multiple cancer types, with particularly strong responses observed in breast, prostate, and lung cancers[6][8].
– Importantly, the vaccine has shown efficacy in both early-stage cancers and in preventing recurrence in patients who have undergone primary treatment[10].
The vaccine’s safety profile has been favorable, with mostly mild to moderate side effects such as injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms[9]. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, it does not appear to damage healthy cells, as the immune response is specifically directed against the cancer-associated MUC1 molecule[7][8].
While these results are highly encouraging, larger Phase III trials are currently underway to definitively establish the vaccine’s efficacy across different cancer types and stages. If successful, this “universal” cancer vaccine could revolutionize cancer treatment, offering a broadly applicable immunotherapy option that harnesses the power of the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer[6][10].
Read More
[1] https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2023/02/24/cancer-vaccines-where-are-we/
[2] https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/mendus-shows-early-comparability-data-for-its-universal-cancer-vaccine/
[3] https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.22.00096
[4] https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/9120930/cancervax-successfully-uses-nobel-prize-chemistry-to-achieve-universal-cancer-vaccine-targeting-milestone
[5] https://www.biostock.se/en/2022/12/den-innovativa-kraften-bakom-ultimovacs-cancervaccin/
[6] https://ufhealth.org/news/2024/uf-developed-mrna-vaccine-triggers-fierce-immune-response-to-fight-malignant-brain-tumor
[7] https://www.biospace.com/5-cancer-vaccines-to-watch-in-2024
[8] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240501125736.htm
[9] https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/05/03/1092026/cancer-vaccines-are-having-a-renaissance/
[10] https://cancer.ufl.edu/2024/05/01/uf-developed-mrna-vaccine-triggers-fierce-immune-response-to-fight-malignant-brain-tumor/
2 comments
Once again, race for the cure, run from the cause. More $$$ in the pockets of big corporations, the ones responsible for much pollution, and causing certain types of cancer. Ah ha! And is that Thimerosol in your vaccine?!? I vote for more education, less needles ‘n corporate abomination.
I agree that a cancer vaccine which really worked well for most cancers could be seen as a license to pollute and to live irresponsibly. Still, for those who do the best they can and still get cancer, I’m glad things like this are on the horizon. At least the people smart enough to read this blog will know about it and it may save someone’s life.