Promissing vaccine for HER-2 Breast Cancer
- B. Tarangini
- Mar 21, 2023
- 2 min read
One of the most common and important causes of cancer-related fatalities in women is breast cancer. A protein known as HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is found on the surface of breast cells. Its typical function is to promote cell division and development. The tumours are referred to as HER 2 positive and are associated with around 30% of breast cancers, while increased levels of HER 2 signify breast cancer. The first step of a series of clinical studies for a novel vaccine that attempts to improve the body's immunological response against breast cancer has been completed. This vaccination stimulates the immune system to attack the HER 2 protein. The genetic coding for the HER 2 protein and other substances are part of the DNA-based vaccination. The cells near the injection site take up the genetic material and produce copies of the HER 2 proteins. Proteins are perceived as foreign substances by the immune system, which then formulates a cytotoxic reaction to kill cancer cells.
The above image shows the difference between normal cell and HER 2 positive cell
66 individuals who received care from 2001 to 2010 were included in the trial. They were divided into three groups and given different dosages (10, 100, and 500 microgram) over the course of three months. The immunizations were administered intradermally once a month. The individuals getting the greatest dosage had the longest-lasting immune response when a biopsy was taken in the fourth and ninth months after treatment. Those who received the medium dose, however, had a better probability of surviving ten years after their vaccine. A decade later, more than 80% of the patients were still alive, and 40% never experienced a recurrence. The vaccination did not show any significant long-term health hazards during the experiment. The most frequent transient side effects are fevers and injection site redness.
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