Saturday 4 January 2014

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer Vaccines: Challenges and Opportunities in Translation addresses a wide range of readership from basic scientists with dual interest in oncology and immunology, translational scientists, clinical researchers, industry scientists, physicians, and technicians involved in the research and development of new immunotherapies in cancer to business and project managers as well as regulatory experts within industry, academia, or government. The topic is approached from a different perspective by a panel of researchers in academia and industry involved with the development of major classes of cancer vaccines. The book outlines the gaps, challenges, and difficulties encountered in the past in conjunction with hurdles associated with translation of immunology research into clinic along with potential solutions that are currently implemented.

The excitement related to the concept of cancer vaccination fueled a broad and diverse technology base currently in early or late clinical development. This created an impression of enormous activity in the field; nevertheless, due to the complexity and specificity of each of these platforms’ mechanisms of action along with the heterogeneous nature of the disease target, this assessment may be an overestimation. In fact, if one takes a critical perspective at this field, the more realistic assessment is that none of these technologies is close to be mature to yield a robust pipeline of drugs that would have the capability of making a significant impact in the current standard of cancer care. Nevertheless, we believe that far from having a pessimistic view of the field, this is rather a realistic, and in consequence, a constructive stance.

In conclusion, in this postgenomic era, it is time to translate this vast scientific information and expand the healthcare benefits by adding vaccines to the large arsenal of cancer therapy in the quest of continuing to improve on the treatment and quality of life of all cancer patients.


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