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Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines

Active immunotherapy designed to treat established tumors using tumor antigens

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines?

Therapeutic cancer vaccines are active immunotherapies that aim to treat existing cancer by stimulating the immune system to recognize tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens. Unlike preventive vaccines, they are administered after a cancer diagnosis to generate or enhance an antitumor T-cell response.

Several platforms are in clinical use or advanced trials, including peptide and protein vaccines, autologous dendritic cell vaccines such as sipuleucel-T, viral and bacterial vector vaccines, and personalized mRNA vaccines targeting individual neoantigens identified through tumor sequencing.

Therapeutic vaccines work best in patients with low disease burden or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, since they require an environment where new T-cell responses can act. Recent randomized trials in melanoma and pancreatic cancer suggest meaningful clinical benefit.

Symptoms

Given by injection in cycles over weeks to months
Generally well tolerated with mild local reactions
May cause flu-like symptoms or fatigue
Often combined with checkpoint inhibitors
Personalized vaccines require tumor sequencing

Risk Factors

Available mainly through clinical trials in many countries
Best results in low tumor burden settings
Tumor sequencing needed for neoantigen vaccines
Need for multidisciplinary specialized care
Combination with checkpoint inhibitors increases potency

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When standard treatment is insufficient or completed
  • When clinical trials of new vaccines are open
  • When neoantigen-based personalized therapy is considered
  • When immune-related adverse events develop
  • Before starting vaccine plus checkpoint inhibitor combinations

Treatment Methods

01
Peptide and protein vaccines targeting shared antigens
02
Autologous dendritic cell vaccines
03
Viral vector and bacterial vector vaccines
04
Personalized mRNA vaccines for individual neoantigens
05
Combination with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy
06
Adjuvant use to reduce relapse after surgery in trials
07
Long-term immune monitoring after vaccination

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.