Experimental Cancer Vaccine Goes Into Clinical Trials
First there was surgery, then chemotherapy and radiation. Now researchers may have found another way to fight cancer using the body’s own immune system.
Cornell University researchers have produced the first batch of a cancer vaccine known as NY-ESO-1 recombinant protein that will be used in clinical trials for patients facing either ovarian cancer or melanoma.
While the experimental vaccine is not intended to prevent cancer, it may show to be effective in revving up the body’s immune system to fight an existing tumor.
The protein molecules central to the treatment are found naturally in the human body, but do not normally induce strong immune responses. One goal of the clinical trials, aside from safety, is to maximize the body’s anti-tumor immune response to the NY-ESO-1 protein.
Why proteins are important
Proteomics is the comprehensive study of the proteins within the human body. This includes where the proteins are, how they are expressed, and how they interact with each other. Proteins are important as they affect many bodily functions, including cell growth and maintenance.
Cancer develops when cells grow or divide too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.
Add A New CommentWe value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first to get the conversation started.