EFFECTIVENESS: In some clinical trials, cancer treatment vaccines have appeared to increase the effectiveness of other cancer therapies. Researchers are also designing clinical trials to answer questions such as whether a specific cancer treatment vaccine works best when it is administered before chemotherapy, after chemotherapy, or at the same time as chemotherapy. (SOURCE: National Cancer Institute)
SIDE EFFECTS: The side effects of cancer vaccines vary among patients and according to the type of vaccine being used. Most of the side effects reported thus far have been inflammation at the site of the vaccine injection, pain, swelling, warming of the skin, itchiness, and occasionally a rash. People sometimes experience flu-like symptoms after receiving a cancer vaccine, including fever, chills, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, muscle ache, fatigue, headache, and occasional breathing difficulties. Blood pressure may also be affected. (SOURCE: National Cancer Institute)
THE FUTURE: Perhaps the most promising avenue of cancer vaccine research is aimed at better understanding the basic biology underlying how immune system cells and cancer cells interact. New technologies are being created as part of this effort. For example, a new type of imaging technology allows researchers to observe killer T cells (a type of immune cell that can attack foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus) and cancer cells interacting inside the body. (SOURCE: Immunological Reviews 2008)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Lung Cancer Vaccine
Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Physicians Referral Line
Charleston, SC
(843) 402-CARE
Breast Cancer Vaccine
Monina Wagner
Media Relations Manager
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
Wagnererm5@ccf.org
(216) 444-2412
