The Cancer Vaccine Trials You Should Know About

Author

longevity enthusiasts
July 31, 2025

Hi!

Imagine if a vaccine could stop cancer before it ever takes hold - or prevent it from coming back.

That’s not science fiction anymore. It’s happening in real-time.

🧬 So, are cancer vaccines real?

Yes - and no.

We’re not talking about one universal “cure-all” vaccine yet.

Instead, scientists are developing two types of cancer vaccines:

  1. Preventive vaccines - Like the HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical and other cancers caused by human papillomavirus.

  2. Therapeutic vaccines - These help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells in people who already have (or had) cancer.

🔬 Where are we now?

📍 In 2023–2024, multiple mRNA-based cancer vaccines (yes, like the COVID technology) entered clinical trials.

Two major examples:

  • Moderna & Merck's personalized melanoma vaccine showed 44% reduced recurrence in a phase 2 trial.

  • BioNTech (the Pfizer partner) is working on vaccines for pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers.

And this is just the beginning.

Researchers are also exploring cancer vaccines for:

  • Breast cancer

  • Prostate cancer

  • Head & neck cancers

  • Colon cancer

  • Even glioblastoma (brain tumors)

🚨 But a reality check is important.

Cancer vaccines are still in early stages for most types.
They’re not an overnight cure - and they won’t replace other treatments (yet).
But they represent something huge: a shift from reactive to proactive oncology.

🧠 What this means for you:

  1. This space is evolving fast - and many clinical trials are still open.

  2. Prevention still matters more than ever - lifestyle is still the most proven way to reduce cancer risk.

  3. The future of longevity is personalized - and cancer vaccines are one step closer to that reality.

If this was useful - hit reply and let me know.
Or forward it to someone who’s been following this space too.

More next week - we’ll explore the cholesterol myth and why some data suggests higher LDL might lower your risk of death. (It’s not what you think.)

Stay curious,
David
Founder, Longevity Enthusiasts