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The familiarity with the word “cancer” has increased in recent years. Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and invade body tissue. Cancer prevalence, estimated in 2022, was found to be 14,61,427 (100.4 per 100,000). Thus, the probability of you developing cancer is one in nine in a lifetime. Amid all this, one way of dealing with certain cancers is vaccination.
The treatment of cancer via vaccines may or may not be the future but cancer prevention using vaccines is a reality. The basic rationale behind the cancer vaccines is the prevention of diseases that can lead to or have an association with developing into cancer in later stages.
Consult the best cancer hospital in Millers Road if you require cancer treatment-related services.
How Do Cancer Vaccines Work?
Cancer vaccines are a type of immunotherapy designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and target cancer cells. Unlike traditional vaccines that protect against infectious diseases, cancer vaccines aim to enhance your immune system's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells and can reduce the risk of developing cancer. The boost it gives immunity is also a major benefit the body achieves from it. The most well-known example is the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus.
When cancer cells are already present in your body, therapeutic cancer vaccines may be effective. They work by stimulating your immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
What are the Cancer Vaccines Available?
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Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPV)
HPV- Human Papillomavirus has long been related to sexually transmitted infections that can lead to certain types of cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers. With the advent of HPV vaccination, research shows that the vaccine has delivered on its promise as the rate of these cancers has significantly reduced. Various randomised trials and population-based studies done by experts on HPV vaccination and its association with a decreased incidence of cervical cancer have proven to be significant.
It is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 11 and 12. It is also available for catch-up vaccination in individuals up to the age of 26. The vaccine is given in a series of shots over a few months to ensure optimal protection. The Indian government has initiated the HPV vaccine as a part of the immunisation program in schools on the cards for 2023 and the coming years.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)
The Hepatitis B virus affects the liver and causes end-stage liver damage. In chronic cases, the Hepatitis B virus stays silent in the liver, leading to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in later stages. The introduction of the HBV vaccine has made a significant impact in preventing the transmission and consequences of this infectious disease.
The vaccine is administered through a standard schedule of three doses, with the second and third doses given at specific intervals after the initial dose. An accelerated schedule may be recommended for people with a higher risk of infection.
Therapeutic or treatment vaccines now in use include:
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Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine
This vaccine was primarily made for the prevention of tuberculosis. However, later, its use in preventing bladder cancer was found. It is the most successful microbial immunotherapy for cancer in current use. Similar to Sipuleucel-T, BCG works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. However, unlike Sipuleucel-T, BCG does not require the use of a patient's white blood cells to work effectively.
First Cancer Vaccine: BCG was the first FDA-approved cancer prevention vaccine in 1990. It is the standard treatment for early-stage bladder cancer.
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Sipuleucel-T
Sipuleucel-T is an immunotherapy designed to treat prostate cancer, specifically in advanced cases that are resistant to hormone therapy and have spread beyond the prostate. It's a customised treatment, with each dosage tailored to the patient.
Each patient's vaccine is created using these activated white blood cells. The treatment process generally takes six weeks and is delivered via three infusions every two weeks. Sipuleucel-T can be administered alone or in combination with other therapies.
Side Effects of Cancer Vaccines
Vaccines, as with all products regulated by the FDA, undergo trials before going onto the market for mass immunisation to rule out any severe side effects. The side effects of cancer vaccines depend on the individual's health status. Common side effects encountered are:
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Fever
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Body ache
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Muscle fatigue
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Headache
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Chills
FDA-Approved Cancer Vaccines
The vaccines that have received FDA approval for cancer prevention are:
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Hepatitis B vaccine.
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Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) vaccine.
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BCG Vaccine.
While cancer vaccines are still in the early stages of development and not yet widely available, they hold great promise for the future of cancer treatment in significantly preventing the occurrence of cancer worldwide.
Consult our best surgical oncologist in Millers Road if you require a cancer vaccine or other cancer-related services.
FAQs
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Can cancer vaccines prevent all types of cancer?
No, vaccines are made against certain viruses. These vaccines have been shown to prevent cancer in the later stages of life.
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How effective are cancer vaccines?
It depends on the age at which the person gets immunised and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
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Do vaccines treat cancer?
No, so far, researchers have only been able to divide vaccines that help in cancer prevention into specific types of cancer. No vaccine can cause cancer.
