Cancer vaccine research is entering a new, transformative phase. Once just an idea, these treatments are now becoming a clinical reality. More than 50 leading researchers and experts will meet to discuss the next steps. This group includes members of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition (CVC) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). They aim to coordinate efforts rather than work independently. “We’re finally at a point where we will see cancer vaccines approved for clinical use in the near future,” says Dr. Nora Disis of the UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute.

Kristen Dahlgren, founder of the CVC and a breast cancer survivor, says data from clinical trials is strong. However, she notes that good data alone is not enough. The system must move faster. Nearly half of us may face a cancer diagnosis at some point. There is no time to wait.

Right now, conventional immunotherapies are effective in 20% of the hardest-to-treat cancers; they work by stimulating the immune system cells to locate and destroy the cancer cells. Johns Hopkins’ Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee says the other 80% of patients could benefit from vaccines that train the body to produce those immune system cells.

cancer research health hospital vaccines
Source: Canva/nicolas_ from Getty Images Signature

The impact of cancer vaccine research extends beyond laboratory settings to individual patients such as Brad Silver. Diagnosed in 2003 with stage IV glioblastoma, a highly lethal brain cancer, he was initially given a prognosis of two months to live. After enrolling in a cancer vaccine clinical trial at UCLA, he has survived for 22 years. Silver describes himself as living proof that alternative outcomes are possible and advocates for broader access to such opportunities.

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The researchers aren’t just talking about science. They are looking at the practical stuff that slows things down, such as:

  • Utilizing artificial intelligence to predict patient-specific cancer responses.
  • Streamlining regulatory processes to reduce administrative delays.
  • Ensuring that funding is allocated efficiently to priority areas.
  • Finding ways to make these treatments available to everyone, not just a few people.

600,000 Americans die of cancer every year. This is a fight we must join now: we can make cancer a disease everyone can treat if we make bold moves.

SOURCE Cancer Vaccine Coalition