As top scientists collaborate to plan the next phase of advancements in cancer immunity, research on cancer vaccines is about to enter a new phase.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have progressed from theoretical promise to practical reality thanks to scientific advancements in immunotherapy, technology, and immune system targeting. To speed up patient access, the field is currently moving into a coordination phase.
In light of this, Transforming Cancer Care is bringing together over fifty of the world’s top cancer vaccine researchers, physicians, and cross-sector specialists. A Global Think Tank to Accelerate Advances in Cancer Immunity is a unique initiative aimed at coordinating priorities and advancing the field. HSBC Innovation Banking is hosting the two-day think tank, which is coordinated by the Cancer Vaccine Coalition (CVC) in collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
“This is a moment where coordination becomes the catalyst,” sTATEd Kristen Dahlgren, founder and CEO of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, a breast cancer survivor, and former NBC TODAY Show and Nightly News correspondent. “I’ve seen the promising data from clinical trials. Patients need better therapies to help them beat cancer, and by working together, we can move advances through the system faster. With almost 1 in 2 of us expected to be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, there’s no time to waste.”
Leaders from leading academic cancer centers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, as well as policy and regulatory specialists, get together at the think tank to create common goals and workable plans to speed up the development and distribution of cancer vaccines.
“Current immunotherapies successfully treat 20% of the deadliest cancers by unleashing the power of cancer-killing T cells,” stated Elizabeth Jaffee, MD, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and co-chair of the two-day think tank. “Vaccines have the potential to increase the success of these immunotherapies in the other 80% of deadly cancers by creating cancer-killing T cells. The last decade of scientific discoveries has propelled vaccines toward becoming the next generation of successful immunotherapies for cancer treatment and prevention.”
Throughout the think tank, participants are focused on identifying practical solutions to shared challenges, including:
- Participants are defining scientific priorities across cancer vaccine discovery, development, and implementation.
- Improving efficiency across research and clinical translation pipelines
- Integrating emerging technologies such as AI-driven antigen prediction and novel delivery platforms
- Aligning funding strategies, regulatory pathways, and policy frameworks
- Establishing models for sustained global collaboration and equitable access
“AACR is honored to work with the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and the think tank sponsors to convene the top experts in the field this week,” stated Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), chief executive officer of AACR. “By bringing together an international group of dedicated, renowned researchers and patient advocates who are able to contribute a wide range of perspectives and scientific knowledge, we hope to foster the next breakthroughs in cancer vaccine research so that people diagnosed with cancer will have the opportunity to live longer and better lives.”
Over 600,000 people die from cancer each year, and millions more suffer from the fear of a recurrence, making it the second most common cause of death in the US. The treatment and, eventually, prevention of cancer may change as a result of cancer vaccinations.
The purpose of therapeutic cancer vaccines is to provide long-lasting, immunological protection by teaching the body to identify and destroy cancer cells. Numerous cancer types, including glioblastoma, melanoma, and pancreatic, breast, ovarian, and liver tumors, are currently undergoing clinical trials; preliminary findings indicate encouraging signs of immune response and therapeutic benefit.
Brad Silver is one such instance; in 2003, he was given a therapeutic cancer vaccination for stage IV glioblastoma. He was only given two months to live at the time. After twenty-two years, Silver is doing well.
Over 600,000 people die from cancer each year, and millions more suffer from the fear of a recurrence, making it the second most common cause of death in the US. The treatment and, eventually, prevention of cancer may change as a result of cancer vaccinations.
The purpose of therapeutic cancer vaccines is to provide long-lasting, immunological protection by teaching the body to identify and destroy cancer cells. Numerous cancer types, including glioblastoma, melanoma, and pancreatic, breast, ovarian, and liver tumors, are currently undergoing clinical trials; preliminary findings indicate encouraging signs of immune response and therapeutic benefit.
Brad Silver is one such instance; in 2003, he was given a therapeutic cancer vaccination for stage IV glioblastoma. He was only given two months to live at the time. After twenty-two years, Silver is doing well.
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