Vaccines have always been a crucial tool in preventing diseases. The idea of using a similar strategy against the giant that is cancer, however, seems almost impossible.
The science behind the cancer vaccine revolves around utilizing viruses to kickstart an immune response against cancerous cells. A process termed 'oncolytic virotherapy' uses modified viruses that primarily infect and kill cancer cells, leaving normal cells untouched.
There have been many pushing the boundaries of virotherapy, trying to make the impossible, possible. BioVex, a biotechnology company, has developed an altered strain of herpes simplex virus to target melanoma cells and brain cancer cells in experimental models.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to active oncolytic virotherapy research. Many other similar projects are taking place globally, all with the same goal: effectively and safely treat cancer with viral-induced immune system activation.
Establishing credibility in the research space is vital in the development of the cancer vaccine.
The use of engineered viruses in virotherapy has been tested in several clinical trials. One of these trials used engineered measles viruses against multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer), and initial results have been promising.
Clinical trials are absolutely crucial in establishing the efficacy and safety of potential treatments. Without these, it would be impossible to objectively assess the real potential of virotherapy.
That being said, a lot of work remains to be done. The scientific world eagerly awaits the outcome of the numerous ongoing clinical trials which will determine if oncolytic virotherapy truly has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.
Apart from being a potential cure, a success in the development of a cancer vaccine could open more possibilities for patients.
With the procedure less invasive and potentially more effective than chemotherapy, a cancer vaccine will significantly improve the quality of patients' lives. Patients could limit their hospital visits and avoid the toxicity that comes with typical chemotherapeutic regimens.
Moreover, vaccination against cancer could potentially be preventative as well as therapeutic. Thus, making cancer not just a disease to be cured but one that can be prevented, just like polio or measles.
The possibility of eradicating cancer is a powerful promise. The hope is that success in virotherapy could potentially contribute to moving closer to a world where cancer is a thing of the past.
However, the war against cancer is far from over.
Efforts to minimize the negative effects, like the potential of these viruses to evolve in patients' bodies and the chance of triggering an excessive immune response, are just as important as trying to maximize the treatment efficacy.
Virotherapy is not effective against all types of cancer. Certain types of cancer, like pancreatic and brain cancers, have been resistant to virotherapy when tested in experimental models.
Moreover, the cost of manufacturing these viruses as a form of treatment could be stratospheric. The affordability factor could constitute a significant hurdle in bringing this type of therapy to every patient who needs it.
Regardless, it is an exciting time in the world of oncolytic virotherapy research.
No treatment is without its challenges. Existing conventional treatments also had their fair share of problems when they were in their nascent stages of research.
Despite the obstacles, researchers are enthusiastic and determined to carry the torch forward. After all, the potential pay-off, a world without cancer, is too valuable to pass up.
The prospect of a cancer vaccine is undeniably attractive. Medicine has continuously evolved and found answers to the impossible and, perhaps one day soon, cancer could be one such problem solved.