Translational science review of vaccines of cancer published in JAMA

Advances in tumor immunology are reshaping cancer vaccine development after decades of limited clinical success. According to a translational science review in JAMA, more than 2000 immunogenic tumor proteins or antigens have been identified, the types of immune response required for tumor eradication have been defined, and safe and effective vaccine delivery technologies have been developed. This progress has renewed clinical investigation of cancer vaccines for multiple types of cancer. Most cancer vaccines have mild adverse effects, such as fatigue, fever, and injection site reactions. Combining cancer vaccines with chemotherapy or immunotherapy can increase the magnitude of the immune response and potentially result in greater reduction in cancer size. The authors conclude that cancer vaccines can treat several types of malignant neoplasms, including melanoma, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. Cancer vaccines are increasingly undergoing evaluation for primary prevention.