Exploring Breast Cancer Immunotherapy and Vaccines

Aug 9, 2024

Tomorrow's Cure Podcast: Breast Cancer Immunotherapy & Vaccines

Introduction

  • Host: Kathy Werer
  • Goal: Explore the potential of cancer vaccines to combat breast cancer.
  • Guests:
    • Dr. Sarah Chumsri (Mayo Clinic, Medical Oncologist)
    • Dr. Keith Kuten (Mayo Clinic, Immunology & Cancer Research)
    • Dr. Nora Diesis (University of Washington, Director of U Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute)

Researchers' Personal Stories

Dr. Kuten

  • Background in molecular pharmacology and immunology.
  • Joined Dr. Dā€™s lab in the late 90s focusing on immune system's role in breast cancer.

Dr. Diesis

  • Came to Seattle as an oncology fellow.
  • Assigned to breast cancer clinic and focused on patient blood analysis for immune responses to cancer.
  • Inspired by patients' stories and their desire to see special life milestones.

Dr. Chumsri

  • Interest in the immune system and vaccine development in breast cancer.
  • Emphasizes the adaptability of the immune system in fighting cancer.

Current Landscape of Breast Cancer

  • Rising Incidence: Increase in breast cancer diagnoses in individuals under 50.
  • Unknown Causes: Majority of breast cancer cases are not familial.
  • Focus on identifying causes (genetics, viruses, environmental factors) and exploring prevention strategies.

Immunogenicity and Cancer

  • Immunogenicity: Ability to stimulate the immune system.
  • Cancers like melanoma identify as immunogenic; breast cancer also shows potential immune response despite being less mutated.
  • Future of Immunotherapy: Activation of T-cells and B-cells is crucial for developing effective immunotherapies against cancer.

Vaccine Research in Breast Cancer

Types of Breast Cancer

  1. Hormone Receptor Positive (70% of cases)
  2. HER2 Positive
  3. Triple Negative
  • Vaccine trials targeting triple negative and HER2 positive cancers currently ongoing.
  • Hormone receptor positive cancer poses challenges due to delayed relapse rates.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

  • Historically difficult to treat ā€“ lack of adjuvant therapies after initial treatments.
  • New therapies include immunotherapy, changing treatment landscape.
  • Higher incidence in young black and Latinx women.

Chronic Inflammation and Breast Cancer

  • Obesity: Strong link to chronic inflammation, leading to cancer risk.
  • Education on diet and physical activity is vital for prevention.

Vaccine Development

  • Previous vaccines (HPV, Hepatitis B) rely on clear immune danger signals.
  • Breast cancer vaccine development focuses on identifying immunogenic proteins.
  • Vaccines may require boosters, ongoing research into optimal administration strategies.

Clinical Trials and Diversity

  • Participation Rates: Less than 10% of cancer patients enroll in clinical trials.
  • Efforts to increase diversity in trials, particularly for underrepresented groups.
  • Importance of educating patients on safety and benefits of participating in clinical trials.

Future Directions

  • Aim for cancer prevention through vaccines targeting risk factors like chronic inflammation.
  • Utilize new technologies (AI, advanced sequencing) to accelerate research and development of effective vaccines.

Conclusion

  • The discussion highlighted the importance of immunotherapy and vaccines in the future of breast cancer treatment and prevention.
  • Call to Action: Encourage listeners to participate in clinical trials and support research efforts.

Podcast Credits

  • Producers: Mayo Clinic and PRX
  • Theme Music: Terrence Bernardo
  • Mixing: Tommy Bazarian
  • Research Support: David Newtown, Deborah Bazar, Jenna Viiv Sponsler
  • Executive Producer: Joselyn Gonzalez
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