Researchers Develop Universal Cancer Vaccine?

Researchers in Tel Aviv claim that they have developed a new vaccine that targets a molecule present in 90 percent of all cancers, leading to hopes of a "universal" cancer vaccine.

The vaccine, developed in collaboration with drug company Vaxil Biotheraputics, targets a molecule called MUC1 which is present on the surface of cancer cells. The researchers revealed that the molecule can be used to alert the body's immune system to the presence of tumor cells.

Clinical trials have been carried out to test the effectiveness of the vaccine and researchers found that it triggers a response from the immune system and reduce the levels of the disease. The researchers expressed hope that the vaccine could be used to treat small tumors if they are detected early enough.

Commenting on the trials, Vaxil Biotheraputics released a statement saying, "ImMucin generated a robust and specific immune response in all patients which was observed after only 2-4 doses of the vaccine out of a maximum of 12 doses. In some of the patients, preliminary signs of clinical efficacy were observed."



Source: Medindia