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:
Preventive vaccines - Like the HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical and other cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
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:
This space is evolving fast - and many clinical trials are still open.
Prevention still matters more than ever - lifestyle is still the most proven way to reduce cancer risk.
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