Breakthrough Vaccine Shows Promise in Fighting Pancreas and Colon Cancer

In general, cancer vaccination operates on the same principle as a “classic” vaccine.
REDPIXEL – stock.adobe.com

Decryption – An American team has managed to increase the survival of a subgroup of patients with genetic mutations thanks to a vaccine that specifically targets them.

THE therapeutic vaccines against cancer keep convincing, and could soon impose themselves in the arsenal of anti -cancer treatments. If this approach is still experimental, the promising results of various clinical trials, including those of phase II presented to ASCO for the skin cancerhave led many teams to try to decline the approach to other types of cancer. In the last date, an American vaccine that targets mutations of the Kras gene in pancreatic and colon cancer, made it possible to increase survival in a first test carried out in a handful of patients. “The results are early, but the approach has potential”estimates Olivier Lantz, director of the clinical immunology laboratory at the Curie Institute in Paris.

In general, cancer vaccination operates on the same principle as a “classic” vaccine: a small harmless part of the agent to fight -… we introduce into the body -…

This article is reserved for subscribers. You have 81% to discover.

Flash sale

€ 4.99 per month for 12 months. Non -binding

Already subscribed?
Connect

What are neoantigens and why are they important in this cancer vaccine approach?

Understanding the Novel Approach to Cancer Immunotherapy

Recent advancements in cancer research have yielded a notably exciting development: a novel vaccine demonstrating promising results in preclinical and early clinical trials for both pancreatic and colon cancer. This isn’t a preventative vaccine like those for measles or polio; instead, it’s a therapeutic cancer vaccine designed to stimulate the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This falls under the broader category of cancer immunotherapy, a rapidly evolving field offering new hope for patients facing these challenging diagnoses.

How the Vaccine Works: Targeting Neoantigens

The core principle behind this breakthrough lies in identifying and targeting neoantigens. These are unique mutations found within cancer cells that aren’t present in healthy tissue. As they’re foreign to the body, neoantigens can be recognized by the immune system – if the immune system is properly alerted.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Tumor Sequencing: A sample of the patient’s tumor is genetically sequenced to identify the specific neoantigens present.This personalized approach is crucial, as neoantigens vary from person to person and even within different tumors in the same individual.
2. Vaccine Creation: Based on the sequencing data, a customized vaccine is created. current iterations utilize mRNA technology – similar to that used in some COVID-19 vaccines – to deliver instructions to the body’s cells to produce the neoantigens.
3. Immune Activation: When the vaccine is administered, it triggers an immune response. Specifically, it activates T cells – the workhorses of the immune system – to recognize and attack cells displaying those specific neoantigens.
4. Targeted cancer Cell Destruction: The activated T cells then seek out and destroy cancer cells bearing the targeted neoantigens, leaving healthy cells unharmed. This targeted approach minimizes the side effects often associated with conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

Pancreatic Cancer: A Particularly Difficult Target

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to treat, frequently enough diagnosed at a late stage when it has already spread. Its microenvironment is also particularly immunosuppressive, meaning it actively suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight back.

Current 5-year survival rate: Approximately 11% (American Cancer Society).

Challenges: Late diagnosis, aggressive nature, and resistance to chemotherapy.

Early results with this vaccine in pancreatic cancer patients have shown:

Increased T cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment.

evidence of tumor shrinkage in some patients.

Improved overall survival rates compared to ancient controls.

Colon Cancer: Enhancing Existing Treatments

Colon cancer,while often more treatable than pancreatic cancer,still presents notable challenges,particularly in advanced stages. This vaccine isn’t intended to replace existing treatments like surgery,chemotherapy,and radiation,but rather to enhance their effectiveness.

Current 5-year survival rate: Approximately 65% (American Cancer society).

Potential Benefits: Reducing recurrence rates, improving response to chemotherapy, and perhaps allowing for lower doses of chemotherapy, minimizing side effects.

Clinical trials in colon cancer patients have demonstrated:

Stronger immune responses when the vaccine is combined with standard chemotherapy regimens.

Reduced risk of cancer recurrence in patients with high-risk features.

Improved progression-free survival.

Clinical Trial Updates & Ongoing Research (August 2025)

Several Phase I and Phase II clinical trials are currently underway, investigating the efficacy of this vaccine in both pancreatic and colon cancer patients. Researchers are also exploring:

Combination Therapies: Combining the vaccine with other immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, to further boost the immune response.

Biomarker identification: Identifying biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to respond to the vaccine. This will allow for more personalized treatment strategies.

Expanding to Other Cancer Types: Investigating the potential of this neoantigen-based vaccine approach in other cancer types, including melanoma, lung cancer, and glioblastoma.

mRNA Delivery Optimization: Refining the mRNA delivery system to improve vaccine potency and reduce potential side effects.

Potential Side Effects & Safety Profile

As with any vaccine, side effects are possible. In clinical trials to date, the most common side effects have been mild to moderate, including:

Fatigue

Fever

Injection site pain

Flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects have been rare. Ongoing monitoring and rigorous safety protocols are in place to ensure patient well-being. The personalized nature of the vaccine – targeting only neoantigens present in the patient’s tumor – is expected to contribute to a favorable safety profile.

The Future of Personalized Cancer vaccines

This breakthrough vaccine represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer. The ability to harness the power of the immune system to specifically target and destroy cancer cells offers a potentially transformative approach to treatment.While further research and clinical trials are needed, the early results are incredibly encouraging, offering renewed hope for patients and their families. The future of cancer treatment is increasingly leaning towards personalized medicine, and this vaccine exemplifies that trend.