Cancer vaccines are no longer science fiction. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent disease, cancer vaccines train your immune system to attack tumors. And biotech companies are intensifying their efforts with a growing list of shots — some already FDA-approved, others just entering clinical trials.

Big Picture

There are two types of cancer vaccines:

1. Preventive (Prophylactic) — stop cancer before it starts.
2. Therapeutic — fight cancer that’s already there.

Preventive Powerhouses

The most successful cancer vaccines so far are aimed at viruses that cause cancer.

• HPV vaccine (Gardasil, Cervarix): Prevents cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Cuts risk of liver cancer by preventing chronic HBV infection.

These are standard shots now — given to millions and backed by mountains of data.

Therapeutic Hopefuls

Therapeutic cancer vaccines are the new kids on the block — and they’re targeting cancers directly.

• Provenge (sipuleucel-T): The first FDA-approved therapeutic cancer vaccine for prostate cancer. It works by activating your own immune cells outside your body, then re-infusing them to mount an attack. Think of it as a personalized cancer SWAT team.
• mRNA cancer vaccines: Yes, the same tech behind COVID-19 shots. Moderna and BioNTech are now testing personalized mRNA vaccines for melanoma, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Early results? Promising — one trial showed a 44% reduction in recurrence for melanoma.
• Neoantigen vaccines: Tailored to each person’s tumor mutations, these vaccines aim to create a laser-focused immune response. Think of it as a custom-made wanted poster for your immune system.
• Dendritic cell vaccines: These “immune educators” teach T-cells what cancer looks like. Trials are ongoing for glioblastoma, breast cancer, and more.

Trials to Watch

• BioNTech and Genentech: Phase II pancreatic cancer mRNA vaccine works by encoding neoantigens—mutations unique to a patient’s tumor—into an mRNA shot that trains the immune system to recognize and attack those cancer cells.
• Moderna and Immatics: Combines cell therapy with an mRNA vaccine — a kind of one-two punch designed to boost T-cell persistence and tumor-killing ability for a wide range of solid tumors like ovarian, melanoma, and head/neck. This Phase I trial is currently recruiting.

Why It Matters

Cancer vaccines are redefining precision medicine — training the body to recognize tumors as enemies. For patients, that means potentially fewer side effects than chemo and longer-lasting immunity.

Bottom Line

Cancer vaccines are no longer a futuristic dream. They’re here, evolving fast, and may soon become a key part of cancer care — not just preventing it, but actively treating it. Stay tuned. Your immune system may just become your best oncologist.

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