Can a Vaccine Prevent Colorectal Cancer? (American Association for Cancer Research)

Dr. Olivera Finn, an immunology professor at the University of Pittsburgh, is pioneering a vaccine targeting the MUC1 protein to prevent colorectal cancer. The vaccine trains the immune system to recognize MUC1’s altered sugar patterns found in precancerous and cancerous cells, allowing for early immune responses before tumors develop. Early clinical trials showed promising immune activation, and a phase III trial demonstrated a 38% reduction in adenoma recurrence, though not statistically significant. Researchers are refining the vaccine’s timing and countering immune suppression to improve efficacy. Meanwhile, the Human Tumor Atlas Network is mapping molecular changes in colorectal cancer, offering new insights for early detection and interception.