Worldwide, Breast Cancer is the second highest killer of women and afflicts millions every year. Thus new approaches are more than warranted to attack this deadly disease.
A glimmer of hope in the unending war on Breast Cancer. With a new Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Vaccine, there is now light at the end of this dark tunnel. This would-be life changer, especially aimed at the deadliest form — Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)–has exhibited excellent results in recent trials.
New Breast Cancer Vaccine :Unveiling the Breakthrough
This groundbreaking new Breast Cancer Vaccine was created in San Jose, California by Anixa Biosciences after a long period of research at the Cleveland Clinic designed to combat TNBC. Known for its aggressiveness, TNBC is particularly problematic due to its fast growth and few available treatment options. The initial (Phase 1) trial in 16 women who were given the Vaccine three times at two-week intervals showed hopeful results.
A Glance at the Trial
These reported no side effects during the trial other than minor headaches, some nausea and vomiting but nothing like soreness in their muscles or extreme fatigue as occurs after taking traditional Vaccines. Dr. Amit Kumar, Chairman and CEO of Anixa Biosciences was pleased with progress in that the data were better than expected. The Vaccine is working on a new mechanism for activating the immune system to attack TNBC Cancer cells which has never been used in developing other Cancers.
How the New Breast Cancer Vaccine Works
Just as flu shots build resistance to the influenza virus, Breast Cancer Vaccines attempt to prevent or treat a second occurrence of Breast Cancer. The problems in identifying Cancer cells are that they come from normal, healthy cells. Dr. Kumar stressed this problem, pointing out that the margin is so narrow it actually makes Cancer cells harder to identify by the immune system as different from normal ones
The aim of the Vaccine is to equip one’s immune system to detect and stop early-stage Breast Cancer. If successful, this could be a life-saver for both Breast Cancer survivors and women not yet afflicted.
Scientific Optimism
This Breakthrough in treating the most aggressive forms of Breast Cancer, and particularly TNBC, has given rise to hope among scientists. This ‘triple-negative’ Cancer, which means that cells lack receptors for estrogen and progesterone, requires targeted treatment. This particularly aggressive subtype often eludes traditional approaches.
Looking Ahead :Future Research and Possibilities
Even though the Phase 1 trial shows promise, medical experts are preparing for Phase 2 trials in next year. The happy results could help reduce the fear of millions women around world, and represent a sea change in Breast Cancer treatment.
Dr. G Thomas Budd, a medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic admits that studying TNBC is difficult because it affects relatively few people. But the plan is to get funding for more trials, hopefully moving away from drastic treatments such as mastectomies towards preventative interventions.
Targeted Treatments Using New Breast Cancer Vaccine are an Urgent Need
TNBC is an aggressive Breast Cancer with a poor outcome. The need for targeted treatments cannot be exaggerated. The Vaccine‘s success in stimulating a T cell immune response to patients during Phase 1 trials however, provides hope that more focused and less invasive treatments may be discovered.
Conclusion :Health for the Future
A major milestone in the war against a formidable enemy. In anticipation of results from planned trials, excited members of the scientific community await news about how to make Breast Cancer history. The ability to prevent a return or give Cancer sufferers another shot at survival highlights the need for further research and development in areas of Cancer treatment. On the road to Breast Cancer-free future lies hope, force of will and stubborn pursuit.
