What You Should Know About Cancer Vaccines – 2023

Most of us are familiar with vaccines, a type of immunotherapy given to healthy people to prevent common diseases. They are made from a weakened virus or attenuated bacteria that causes the disease and are introduced into the body. This helps build antibodies that recognize and fight off that particular disease more effectively.

Some cancer vaccines work in the same way, protecting the body from the virus that can cause cancer. As a preventative, this type of cancer vaccine will only work if the person gets the vaccine before they get the virus. But there are also cancer vaccines that are used to treat certain forms of cancer. These vaccines for cancer treatment are given to people who already have cancer, and help stop the disease from spreading or returning.

Here’s what you should know about cancer vaccines and how this promising field of immunotherapy can help improve outcomes for pediatric cancer patients: 

Vaccines to Prevent Cancer

Some viruses can cause cancer. Vaccines that prevent cancer work by helping the body’s white blood cells attack the virus when it enters the body. It does this by using the white blood cells’ proteins, called receptors, that are located on its surface. Viruses also have proteins on their surface, which are called antigens. Receptors and antigens are unique to each white blood cell and virus. When a white blood cell finds a virus’ antigens that “fits” to its receptors, the white blood cell binds to it and destroys the virus.1 

Sometimes, the body doesn’t have the white blood cells with the right receptors to fight a virus, so vaccines that prevent cancer work by training the white blood cells to recognize the virus and fight it.

A yellow cell is surrounded by blue cells on a green surface.

Currently, there are two cancer prevention vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the Hepatitis B vaccine, which was the first cancer vaccine ever created.

Vaccines To Treat Cancer

Unlike vaccines to prevent cancer, vaccines for cancer treatment are given to people who already have cancer. The vaccine helps the immune system find, bind and destroy the cancer cells making the body sick. It’s also used to keep the cancer cells from spreading and returning.

Currently, the FDA has only approved 3 vaccines for cancer treatment in the U.S: BCG, Sipuleucel-T, and Talimogene laherparepvec or T-VEC.5

BCG Vaccine

Approved by the FDA in 1990, the BCG vaccine can be used to treat some forms of bladder cancer in its early stages, before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It can also be given after cancer treatment to keep the cancer from returning. To deliver the drug, doctors administer the BCG vaccine in liquid form through a catheter, allowing it to come into direct contact with the cancer cells. 

Sipuleucel-T Vaccine

Used to treat metastatic prostate cancer, Sipuleucel-T was approved by the FDA in 2010. The drug is personalized to the patient’s immune cells. Using a machine, the patient’s blood is collected, which extracts the immune cells and returns the rest of the blood back into the body. Afterwards, the collected cells are sent to a manufacturing lab, where the patient’s immune cells are mixed with proteins that make them work against the cancer.

T-VEC Vaccine

Made with a genetically modified and live herpesvirus, this vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2015 to treat advanced melanoma. T-VEC is injected directly into the tumors in the skin and lymph nodes. The drug works by creating copies of itself in cancer cells, causing the cancer cells to burst. 

 

Vaccines and Pediatric Cancer

Researchers around the globe are exploring different ways cancer vaccines work and testing to see which types of cancers vaccines can treat. Historically, the majority of vaccination studies have been applied to adults, so there’s still a lot that scientists don’t know about vaccines and the potential effectiveness against pediatric cancer. As a form of immunotherapy for kids, cancer vaccines are being studied in ongoing clinical trials. 

Here are the four different classes of cancer vaccines 6 and their current applications in childhood cancer studies:

Cell-Based Vaccines

Cell-based vaccines can include the use of whole tumor cells, tumor antigens, or dendritic cells (DCs) already present in the patient’s body to train the immune system to find and attack abnormal cells, like cancer cells. The job of dendritic cells present tumor antigens to the immune system, triggering an immune response. To make this vaccine, scientists modify a patient’s dendritic cells to create tumor-specific antigens that target the cancer cells inside the patient. 

In some phase I/II clinical trials with pediatric cancer patients, DC cancer vaccines have been shown to cause minimal toxicity. Solving Kids’ Cancer has helped fund a dendritic cell vaccine for neuroblastoma, which showed promising results in the patient population.7 Several studies using this vaccine have also reported improved outcomes for patients with various types of cancers, including relapsed sarcomas, acute myeloid leukemia, and relapsed malignant brain tumors.8

One trial used a vaccine containing the tumor antigens, synthetic GD2 and GD3, and tested it with a combination of immune adjuvants beta glucan (β-glucan) and OPT-81, resulting in encouraging outcomes. Adjuvants are substances that are added to a vaccine to help boost the immune system’s response to antigens. To date, hundreds of children have been treated with this vaccine.9 It’s currently being tested for added immune response with or without a protein called granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is a substance that helps to make more white blood cells. 

 

Peptide Vaccines

Made from special proteins in cancer cells, this vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against a particular disease. Since peptide vaccines are formed from proteins extracted from a pathogen, they don’t have to be grown in a lab unlike traditional vaccines. Instead, they can be produced quickly, in large quantities, and at lower costs using automated equipment.

When used in pediatric clinical trials for solid and hematological cancers, peptide vaccines resulted in complete remission in one patient and a period of stable disease in another patient within a limited patient population, though a larger study with 26 patients didn’t demonstrate a clinical response.10 There have also been some improvements in pediatric cancer patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and gliomas.8 

 

Nucleic Acid Vaccines

Nucleic acid cancer vaccines are made from small amounts of DNA and RNA that are usually found in cancer cells. When a patient is given the vaccine, their cells will develop proteins that recognize the cancer cells inside their body as a foreign substance, triggering the immune system to create antibodies that will destroy them. Like peptide vaccines, nucleic vaccines can be produced rapidly and at lower costs.

Though there have been minimal studies of nucleic acid vaccines used on pediatric cancers, they have been shown to produce T-cell immunity, training the immune system’s T-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells present in the body.8 

 

Viral Vector Vaccines

Viral vector vaccines use a modified version of the virus to give instructions to the body’s cells. This causes the cells to produce antigens, triggering an immune response. If the body is exposed to the virus later, its cells will recognize and know how to fight the virus.

Currently, there is minimal evidence on viral vector vaccines for use in pediatric cancers. However, some preclinical data suggests that viral vectors may be effective on brain tumors. Additionally, a study using a designed human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-based vaccine has shown to efficiently stimulate T-cells, while a phase I study using adenoviral vector with the herpes virus has shown to be safe in combination with radiation and chemotherapy when treating pediatric malignant glioma or recurrent ependymoma.8

 

Future of Vaccines for Childhood Cancer

As scientists continue to learn how to harness the power of the immune system through immunotherapy, there is hope that cancer vaccines can impact outcomes for pediatric cancer patients. Though many of the studies on pediatric cancer vaccines are still in early stages, major advances shown in preclinical data and clinical trials could lead to more effective, less toxic treatments for patients and fewer long-term health issues for survivors. 

As the landscape of pediatric cancer treatment evolves with the introduction of immunotherapy and vaccine development, it is essential to remain vigilant about the potential for vaccine injury. While the promise of cancer vaccines brings hope, it also raises important questions regarding safety and long-term effects, especially in vulnerable populations like children.

The emergence of cases linked to vaccine injuries can be concerning for families who are already navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. This is where resources like My Vaccine Lawyer become invaluable, providing guidance and support for families facing the challenges of vaccine-related complications. Their expertise helps individuals understand their rights and the options available should they experience adverse reactions.

The delicate balance between harnessing the immune system’s power through innovative treatments and ensuring patient safety is a priority for researchers and healthcare providers alike. Ongoing dialogue about the benefits and risks associated with cancer vaccines is crucial, particularly in pediatric oncology, where the stakes are high.

As studies progress and more data emerges, it will be vital for families to have access to comprehensive information and legal resources. This will enable them to make informed decisions about their children’s health while advocating for their rights in the event of vaccine injuries.

At Solving Kids’ Cancer, we believe in driving innovation forward to accelerate new, next-generation treatments, like pediatric cancer vaccines. By collaborating with researchers and institutions across the globe, we’re working hard to find and fund breakthrough trials for the rarest and most aggressive childhood cancers. Your support helps fund clinical trials to discover cures for childhood cancer and give more hope to children and families — because every kid deserves to grow up.

A pink button that says `` help solve kids ' cancer ''.
Sources: 
1 What Are Cancer Vaccines? – https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/immunotherapy-and-vaccines/what-are-cancer-vaccines
2 HPV Vaccine Facts – https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-vaccine-facts-and-fears.html
3 HPV Vaccination Recommendations – https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html
4 Hepatitis B Are You At Risk? – https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/pdfs/hepbatrisk.pdf
5 Cancer Vaccines – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6361626/
6 Cancer vaccines as promising immuno-therapeutics: platforms and current progress – https://jhoonline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13045-022-01247-x#:~
7 A phase I trial combining decitabine/dendritic cell vaccine targeting MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3 and NY-ESO-1 for children with relapsed or therapy-refractory neuroblastoma and sarcoma – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26105625/
8 Therapeutic cancer vaccines for pediatric malignancies: advances, challenges, and emerging technologies – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8034661/
9 A Study of a Vaccine in Combination With β-glucan and GM-CSF in People With Neuroblastoma – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5592799/
10 WT1 peptide immunotherapy for cancer in children and young adults – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20582983/
A man and a little girl are sitting in front of a wooden wall.

Ahana’s Story of Strength

By duda • November 20, 2024
Ahana’s Story of Strength with High-Risk Neuroblastoma Every day, over 1,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer,1 and for many families, that diagnosis means facing an uncertain future. At just 20 months old, Ahana was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer that had already spread through her small body. Her family’s search for life-saving childhood cancer treatments led them from South Africa to Spain and possibly toward a clinical trial in New York. Ahana’s journey shows the importance of supporting organizations like Solving Kids’ Cancer, which works to find, fund, and advocate for advanced treatments that give hope to families fighting against tough-to-treat rare pediatric cancers.
A poster for 2024 year in review for solving kids ' cancer

2024 Year-in-Review

November 11, 2024
Advancing Childhood Cancer Research: SKC’s 2024 Milestones
A group of children are holding a sign that says `` lace up for kids 2024 ''.

2024 Lace Up for Kids Recap

October 1, 2024
Lace Up for Kids: Your Impact on Childhood Cancer Research At Solving Kids’ Cancer, our mission has always been driven by hope — hope for better treatments, hope for breakthroughs, and most importantly, hope for every child fighting cancer. This year’s Lace Up for Kids campaign was nothing short of inspiring. Together, we’ve raised over $264,000 across the entire campaign, funding innovative childhood cancer research and providing more treatment options for children in need.  From coast to coast, nearly 4,000 participants have stepped up to lace up their gold shoelaces and make a difference. Whether it was through schools, sports teams, or community groups, the show of support has been overwhelming throughout the years. Over 7,823 donations have been made to accelerate new treatments, and the hashtag #CareWearShare has been used 13,864 times, spreading the message far and wide!
A girl is standing in front of a car in a parking lot.

Stories of Impact: Erin Martin

September 2, 2024
Gold Laces for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Erin’s Story 
A group of children are standing in a circle with their shoes on the floor.

Smithtown Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer

August 8, 2024
Smithtown Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!
A poster for lace up for kids with a butterfly on it

Lace Up for Kids 2024

August 6, 2024
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Lace Up for Kids 2024
A man standing on top of a mountain with the words osteosarcoma survivor to surgeon dr. kurt weiss ' story

Osteosarcoma Survivor Dr. Kurt Weiss

August 1, 2024
Osteosarcoma Survivor to Surgeon: Dr. Kurt Weiss’ Story
Jacob 's journey : a childhood cancer survivor 's story

National Cancer Survivors Month

May 10, 2024
Jacob’s Journey: A Childhood Cancer Survivor’s Story Every battle has its heroes, and among the bravest are young children like Jacob Mozer, who faced stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma when he was barely old enough to walk. Diagnosed at only 16 months old, Jacob’s early years were filled with constant medical appointments and intense treatments. Despite these challenges, today, Jacob is a shining example of the remarkable progress in pediatric oncology. He’s not merely surviving; he’s thriving as a pharmacy resident, driven to give back to the medical community that gave him a second chance at life. During National Cancer Survivors Month this June, we honor and celebrate fighters like Jacob who have battled cancer and emerged stronger. This month also serves to amplify the conversation about pediatric cancer survivorship and push for vital research that continues to save lives. Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) plays an essential role in this effort, supporting children like Jacob by funding crucial clinical trials that enhance survival rates and improve the quality of life for those fighting fatal childhood cancers.
A close up of a person holding a test tube in a laboratory.

Trailblazing Treatments for Pediatric Brain Tumors

May 2, 2024
Trailblazing Treatments for Pediatric Brain Tumors Picture a fortress built to guard precious treasure but accidentally also keeps out the very allies it needs in a time of crisis. This is the challenge faced by medical researchers when dealing with the brain’s natural defense — the blood-brain barrier — especially in children with brain tumors. At Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Luca Szalontay is leading the charge to breach this fortress with groundbreaking approaches. Recently, Dr. Timothy Cripe from Solving Kids’ Cancer’s podcast, This Week in Pediatric Oncology (TWIPO) , interviewed Dr. Szalontay to delve deeper into these innovative treatments. This Brain Tumor Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on these important advances in treating children’s cancer. Understanding the Challenge Treating pediatric brain tumors like diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is especially tough because of the brain’s own protective shield, known as the blood-brain barrier. This barrier keeps out most chemotherapy drugs as well as large molecules, like antibodies, making it hard to treat the tumors effectively. Dr. Szalontay describes the dilemma: “Our field hasn’t been able to advance as quickly as it has with leukemias or other solid tumors because the drugs don’t penetrate the brain efficiently.” She adds on the nature of this blood-brain barrier, “It’s evolutionary, very important to protect us from different toxins and harmful agents, but this is a shield which protects the tumor as well.” Even when drugs work well in lab tests, they struggle to get to the tumor in strong enough doses without harming the body. Dr. Szalontay also points out that DMG tumors are found in very sensitive areas of the brain, making traditional surgery or radiation risky because they could damage vital brain functions. This makes finding safe and effective treatments for these tumors even more challenging. So, what’s being done to tackle these obstacles and help kids fight these tumors?
A group of stick figures are holding hands around a globe.

World Health Day: Pediatric Cancer’s Global Divide

April 4, 2024
World Health Day: Pediatric Cancer’s Global Divide Imagine this: Two children, born at the same moment, oceans apart. In a country brimming with medical resources, one child quickly gets top-notch treatment for cancer. Meanwhile, across the globe, the other child faces a drastically different reality, with limited access to basic care. This isn’t just a thought experiment — it’s the harsh truth of pediatric cancer treatment worldwide. Observed every year on April 7, World Health Day shines a light on the mission to make healthcare accessible for all. This day is particularly significant in the context of pediatric cancer, where vast disparities in treatment availability highlight the global challenge of ensuring every child has the opportunity for health and healing. The Stark Contrast in Survival Rates: A Look at Pediatric Cancer Statistics Every day, more than 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, and the chances of survival vary greatly depending on where they live.1 Pediatric cancer survival rates serve as a clear indicator of the disparities between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In wealthier nations such as the United States and Western Europe, the 5-year survival rate for children with cancer is over 80%, thanks to advanced healthcare systems and access to the latest treatments.2 But, here’s a troubling childhood cancer statistic: in LMICs where 80% of children with cancer live, fewer than 20% survive.1 This gap is due to several factors, including late diagnoses or, tragically, no diagnosis at all. Many children succumb to the disease without access to pain medication, and the burdens of travel and the high costs force most families to abandon care. These challenges are compounded by limited access to necessary treatments,3 as well as a lack of specialized equipment and trained healthcare professionals needed for effective pediatric cancer treatment. Addressing this divide requires a concerted global effort to improve early detection, make treatments more affordable, and enhance healthcare infrastructures, giving every child a fair chance to beat cancer. Navigating the Access Maze Access to cancer care shouldn’t be a treasure hunt. Yet, for many in LMICs, it feels like that — a relentless search for something seemingly out of reach. Here’s the reality revealed in childhood cancer statistics worldwide: many areas lack enough doctors who specialize in children’s cancer4 and the prices of cancer drugs can be sky-high.2 Even getting to a hospital can be an ordeal, with some families traveling hundreds of miles. And the financial strain? Devastating. The cost of care can quickly add up to more than a year’s income, forcing households into deep financial distress. In many LMICs, the lack of comprehensive insurance coverage means families are often left to pay for pediatric cancer treatment entirely out-of-pocket.5 Families often face the impossible choice between their child’s health and their financial survival. Solving Kids’ Cancer: Bridging the Gap Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) isn’t standing by; we’re on the front lines, actively working to make a difference in the global pediatric cancer landscape. Beyond funding research, advocating for policy changes, and fostering global partnerships, SKC is committed to educating and empowering the community to take action. We understand that while we might not have a global foothold to address every aspect of the pediatric cancer divide directly, there’s power in collective action. Through our efforts, we aim to catalyze advancements in pediatric cancer treatments and care that could dramatically change outcomes for children worldwide. • Research: We direct funds into cutting-edge studies, searching for breakthrough treatments that promise a brighter future for all kids, regardless of where they live. • Advocacy: We advocate for children’s needs by steering research funding towards unmet challenges and collaborating with experts to prioritize all children, including expanding trials to international sites to maximize access.2 • Global Partnerships: We don’t do it alone. By teaming up with researchers, hospitals, and other organizations across the globe, we’ve helped fund clinical trials that have extended to over 250 institutions across 15 countries worldwide . Uniting for a Cause Solving Kids’ Cancer extends its mission beyond research by fostering community and collaboration. Our signature event, Lace Up for Kids , held annually during September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is a powerful testament to this mission, drawing communities together to stand in solidarity against childhood cancer. Additionally, supporters can create their own fundraiser and have a platform to engage their local communities, sparking crucial conversations and garnering support for the cause. These initiatives highlight an important fact: While the challenge of pediatric cancer is significant, each of us has a part to play. By working together and supporting each other, we can fund the research needed to possibly change the direction of pediatric cancer treatment and care worldwide. World Health Day: A Chance for Every Child The fight against pediatric cancer is a stark reminder of the work ahead of us.6 It’s a battle that Solving Kids’ Cancer is dedicated to, but we need more than just our efforts — we need a global movement. This World Health Day, let’s rally for every child’s right to fight cancer on an even playing field. Donate today to help fund more innovative research and one day find a cure for childhood cancer — because every child, no matter where they are born, deserves a chance — a chance to fight, a chance to survive, and a chance to thrive.
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