Vaccines can be used to treat cancer by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Cancer cells can sometimes evade the immune system's defenses, allowing them to grow and spread unchecked. But by using vaccines, doctors can stimulate the immune system to specifically target cancer cells and eliminate them.
There are different types of cancer vaccines, but one type is called a "therapeutic vaccine." These vaccines are designed to boost the immune system's response to cancer cells that are already present in the body. They work by training the immune system to recognize specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, known as antigens. Once the immune system recognizes these antigens, it can mount a targeted attack against the cancer cells, helping to slow or stop the growth of the tumor.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines are often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. They can also be used to prevent the recurrence of cancer after surgery.
It's important to note that cancer vaccines are not a cure for cancer, and they may not work for everyone. But they can be an important tool in the fight against cancer, helping to improve outcomes and prolong survival for some patients.
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 3/6/2023