Neoantigens and Personalised Cancer Vaccines

Introduction

Cancer treatment has progressed from chemotherapy and radiation to a new era of precision medicine. One of the most exciting advances is the use of neoantigens to develop personalized cancer vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent disease, these vaccines are intended to treat cancer by teaching the immune system to recognize tumour-specific markers.

What are neoantigens?

Neoantigens are distinct proteins produced by cancer cells in response to genetic mutations. They do not exist in healthy cells, making them prime targets for the immune system. Because each patient's cancer has a unique set of mutations, neoantigen profiles differ, which is why the approach is personalized.

How Do Personalized Cancer Vaccines Work

  1. Tumor sequencing - Doctors analyze the DNA of a patient’s tumor.

  2. Neoantigen prediction - Computational models identify mutations that may elicit strong immune responses.

  3. Vaccine design - Selected neoantigens are synthesized into a vaccine.

  4. Immune activation - Once injected, the vaccine stimulates T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells that express those neoantigens.

Current research and clinical trials

Several biotech companies and academic institutions are conducting clinical trials for personalized vaccines, particularly in melanoma, lung cancer, and glioblastoma. Early results indicate an improved immune response and, in some cases, longer survival rates.

Challenges Ahead

  • Creating individualized vaccines is costly and complex.

  • Time-sensitive production, as aggressive cancers grow quickly.

  • Variability in patients' immune responses

Conclusion

Neoantigen-based vaccines represent a significant advancement in oncology. While still experimental, they envision a future in which cancer treatment is as unique as each patient's tumor.

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