Patient discussing pancreatic cancer vaccines with doctor

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive and uncommon malignancy that is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the pancreas, a vital organ responsible for regulating digestion and blood sugar levels. Mainstay treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but because pancreatic tumors are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, the treatment options are often limited. However, recent years have witnessed significant progress in the development of pancreatic cancer vaccines, which offer a new source of hope for certain patients.

The promising role of immunotherapy in cancer treatment

Pancreatic cancer vaccines fall under the umbrella of immunotherapy, a cutting-edge approach to cancer treatment that aims to harness the power of the body’s own immune system to target and destroy tumor cells. Immunotherapy has shown immense promise in addressing several types of cancer, which were recently broadened to include pancreatic cancer. This is significant for several reasons. In addition to their typically late-stage diagnosis, pancreatic tumors are often entangled in surrounding blood vessels and other critical structures, making them challenging to remove during surgery. The cancerous cells also tend to be resilient and resistant to standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Although pancreatic cancer may not respond as well to conventional immunotherapy, vaccines have shown early promise.

Some recent developments in pancreatic cancer vaccines include:

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines

mRNA is the genetic material that instructs the body on how to produce proteins. mRNA vaccines can be customized to target specific antigens (spike proteins) found on the surface of certain cells, such as tumor cells. An mRNA vaccine can “teach” the body’s immune system how to make copies of the spike protein; then, when exposed to the real spike protein, the immune system will recognize it and fight it off.

mRNA vaccines recently gained attention due to their success in COVID-19 vaccination. These vaccines are now being adapted for treating several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.

Personalized cancer vaccines

One of the most noteworthy developments in cancer immunotherapy is personalized cancer vaccines. Tailor-made for each patient, these vaccines can target the specific genetic and molecular profile of a tumor. Personalized pancreatic cancer vaccines can boost the power of the immune system by helping it identify and attack unique pancreatic tumor cells.

medical professional with vaccine syringe

GVAX pancreatic cancer vaccine

Developed by Aduro Biotech, the GVAX pancreatic cancer vaccine is currently being evaluated in clinical trials. GVAX utilizes irradiated pancreatic tumor cells that are re-engineered to produce a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is a protein that encourages the immune system to recognize and destroy the cancerous cells. Results from early-stage trials have shown success in slowing the progression of pancreatic cancer and improving outcomes.

Peptide-based vaccines

Researchers are now exploring the use of peptides derived from proteins found in pancreatic cancer cells. These peptides can be used as antigens to stimulate an immune response. Early clinical trials have shown encouraging results, with some patients experiencing reduced tumor growth.

Combination therapies

Through ongoing clinical trials, researchers are exploring the potential of combining pancreatic cancer vaccines with other immunotherapies, chemotherapies or targeted therapies. This combined approach aims to enhance the immune response and improve the treatment outcome.

Challenges and future direction

While these developments in pancreatic cancer vaccines are promising, challenges remain. Pancreatic cancer often creates a suppressive microenvironment that hinders the effectiveness of immunotherapies. Researchers are actively working to overcome this obstacle by investigating drugs that can potentially reprogram the immune system to better target cancer cells. Moreover, clinical trials are ongoing to determine the most effective timing and combination of therapies. Identifying the right patient population that will benefit the most from these vaccines is another important aspect of pancreatic cancer research. Once any vaccines are approved, they will require a high level of technology for manufacturing and expertise to treat, making a nationally recognized cancer center like Moffitt the best choice for treatment.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Moffitt is a nationally recognized cancer research trailblazer, and we have a robust portfolio of pancreatic cancer clinical trials. We empower our patients in their journey to combat this challenging condition by helping them stay informed about the latest advances in pancreatic cancer research, and the multispecialty team in our renowned Gastrointestinal Oncology Program is always available to answer questions.

If you would like to explore your treatment options and your potential participation in a clinical trial of a pancreatic cancer vaccine, you can request an appointment with a specialist at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.

Medically reviewed by Tiago Biachi, MD, PhD