Testing is underway on vaccines to intercept brewing colon cancer before it takes root
Summary
Scientists are testing vaccines designed to help the immune system stop colon cancer from developing, especially in people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that greatly increases cancer risk. Several vaccines are in early clinical trials, and one vaccine showed promise in a small study, with larger trials planned soon.Key Facts
- Lynch syndrome is a genetic mutation affecting about 1 million Americans that raises the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
- People with Lynch syndrome often get yearly colonoscopies to find and remove early cancer growths called polyps.
- Vaccines in development aim to teach the immune system to intercept cancer cells before they form tumors.
- At least three vaccines for Lynch syndrome are being developed, with two in U.S. clinical trials and one starting in Britain.
- Dr. Stacy Norton, who has Lynch syndrome, participated in vaccine testing and hopes it will reduce the need for yearly colonoscopies.
- Lynch syndrome affects genes responsible for fixing DNA errors, making cancer more likely to develop early in life.
- Those with Lynch syndrome have up to an 80% chance of developing colorectal cancer, compared to 5% in the general population.
- Vaccines could offer a new way to reduce cancer risk in people with inherited genetic mutations.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
