Some hopeful news on a breast cancer 'vaccine'

The bad news first: Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, accounting for more than 1 in 4 cancers.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, after lung cancer and nearly 2.5 million women living in the U.S. have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. 

Now the good news: Clinical trials for a breast cancer vaccine will begin in the spring, monitored by scientists at the University of Arkansas.  The vaccine doesn't replace standard radiation and chemotherapy treatments, but is used as an additional treatment to prevent the reoccurrence of the disease. (Link)

Breast cancer cells are covered with molecules, called antigens, that are capable of triggering the production of antibodies that fight breast cancer cells. But the carbohydrate antigens on cancer cells don't stimulate a strong immune system response.

Kieber-Emmons and his team came up with an alternative approach with a six-year, $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. They developed peptide antigens that mimic the carbohydrates.

A peptide is a compound consisting of two or more amino acids. The peptide-based vaccine tricks the body into producing antibodies that target both the peptides in the vaccine and the carbohydrates they resemble on the breast cancer cells. (Link)

The trials will be done in two phases.  The first phase, lasting four to six months, will involve women with active cancer.  The second phase, anticipated to take about a year, is to include women who are now in remission and have a high risk of reoccurrence.

Keep your fingers crossed.