Cancer vaccines

Definition

Cancer vaccines are immunotherapies designed to elicit an immune response against cancer-specific antigens. They can be used prophylactically or therapeutically to target and destroy cancer cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cancer vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
2. There are two main types of cancer vaccines: preventive (prophylactic) vaccines and therapeutic vaccines.
3. Prophylactic cancer vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, prevent infections that can lead to cancer.
4. Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to treat existing cancers by strengthening the body's natural defenses against the disease.
5. Common targets for cancer vaccines include tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and neoantigens.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mechanism of action for cancer vaccines?
• Differentiate between prophylactic and therapeutic cancer vaccines with examples.
• What types of antigens are commonly targeted by cancer vaccines?

Related terms

Immunotherapy: A treatment that uses certain parts of a person's immune system to fight diseases such as cancer.

Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAAs): Antigens expressed on tumor cells but not on most normal cells, making them targets for immunotherapy.

Neoantigen: A novel protein antigen formed due to mutations in tumor cells, which can be targeted by personalized cancer therapies.