Scientists Report Major Progress Toward a Universal Cancer Vaccine

Scientists Report Major Progress Toward a Universal Cancer Vaccine
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Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have demonstrated that a newly developed nanoparticle-based vaccine can prevent several aggressive cancers in mice, showing strong potential for a future universal cancer vaccine.

According to SciTechDaily, the experimental formulation protected against melanoma, pancreatic cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, with tumor-free survival rates reaching up to 88 percent depending on cancer type.

The vaccine uses a lipid nanoparticle “super adjuvant” engineered to activate multiple immune pathways while delivering cancer-specific antigens. In melanoma tests, 80 percent of vaccinated mice remained tumor-free for the duration of a 250-day study, while all unvaccinated mice developed tumors and died within 35 days. The vaccine also stopped melanoma from metastasizing to the lungs.

A second set of experiments using tumor-cell lysate showed similarly strong results across multiple cancers. Vaccinated mice not only rejected initial tumor challenges but also resisted later systemic exposure to cancer cells.

Researchers say the vaccine’s effectiveness stems from powerful T-cell activation and long-lasting “memory immunity.” The team has launched a startup, NanoVax Therapeutics, to explore clinical development of the platform for both cancer prevention and treatment.