Glioblastoma Vaccine
A highly aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma can be challenging to treat due to its intrusive nature. As these tumors grow, they often become intertwined with the surrounding brain tissues, making it difficult for a surgeon to access and remove the cancer in its entirety. Although radiation therapy and chemotherapy can reach brain tumors, glioblastoma cells tend to be resilient and often survive treatment and regrow.
Scientists are continually exploring innovative approaches to enhance brain cancer treatment outcomes. In addition to recent advances in surgical techniques, radiation therapies, chemotherapy drugs and targeted agents, a promising avenue is the development of a glioblastoma vaccine. Specifically, researchers have discovered that a genetically modified form of the poliovirus vaccine may be used in a cancer-fighting vaccine.
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Request an AppointmentHow does the glioblastoma vaccine work?
The body’s immune system is a powerful defense force, always working to identify and attack harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. The glioblastoma vaccine is designed to harness the strength of the immune system in the fight against brain cancer. The vaccine does not prevent glioblastoma; instead, it aims to train the immune system to more effectively recognize and attack the specific characteristics of glioblastoma cells.
Through extensive research, scientists have identified unique markers on the surface of glioblastoma cells—such as proteins or other molecules—that distinguish the glioblastoma cells from healthy cells. During these studies, researchers discovered that an injection of the modified poliovirus vector can trigger an immune response that homes in on the markers that are unique to glioblastoma tumors. As a result, the immune system may remember and continue to recognize the cancer cells as threats. Essentially, the vaccine can boost the natural abilities of the immune system to fight glioblastoma.
Is the glioblastoma vaccine safe?
Like all new cancer therapies, the glioblastoma vaccine is undergoing rigorous testing in clinical trials to confirm its safety. Clinical trials are important and complex research studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a promising new treatment in comparison to the current standard of care. By carefully monitoring the patient participants, scientists and clinicians can gain a thorough understanding of how well the vaccine works and whether it causes any side effects.
While the glioblastoma vaccine represents a promising frontier in cancer research, it is not intended to be a standalone solution. Instead, it may be used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, to provide a more comprehensive attack on glioblastoma. The goal is to improve the outcomes of patients who have this challenging and aggressive form of brain cancer and provide them with the best possible quality of life.
Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center
If you would like to learn more about the glioblastoma vaccine, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Neuro-Oncology Program by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.