A team of researchers from the University of Florida has taken an important step in the development of a vaccine against glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor of all.
The vaccine, tested in animals and in four adult patients, has shown to be capable of reprogramming the immune system to attack this type of cancer.
The most surprising thing about this development is how quickly the immune cells are activated: in just 48 hours. This is because the vaccine “wakes up” the immune system, making it recognize the tumor as a threat.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine is made from a biopsy of each patient’s tumor. The material is processed and reintroduced into the body along with lipid nanoparticles. These nanoparticles carry the tumor’s messenger RNA, which activates immune cells and prepares them to attack the cancer.
A key advantage: customization
One of the great advantages of this vaccine is that it is personalized. This means that it is adapted to the specific characteristics of each patient’s tumor, which increases the chances of success.
A long way to go
While the results so far are promising, there is still a long way to go. The next step will be to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine in a larger number of patients, both adults and pediatrics.
The hope for a future without glioblastoma
The development of this vaccine represents great hope for glioblastoma patients. If clinical trials continue to give positive results, this could become a fundamental tool to combat this terrible cancer.
Contributions from Argentina
In Argentina, the Center for Molecular and Translational Oncology of the National University of Quilmes (UNQ) is also working on the development of new therapies against glioblastoma.
Preclinical trials of compound 1A-116: This compound is designed to inhibit the activation of RAC1, a protein that is linked to glioblastoma tumor progression. The compound was patented by UNQ and it is expected that it can be used in combination with other therapies.
Device to inhibit the Pin1 protein: This device is being developed to stop the proliferation of tumor cells. The Pin1 protein is responsible for the growth of glioblastoma.
The fight against cancer: a global effort
The fight against cancer is a global effort. Around the world, scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to find new and better ways to combat this disease. The development of the glioblastoma vaccine and the advances of the UNQ Center for Molecular and Translational Oncology are examples of this effort.
A message of hope
Advances in glioblastoma research are a message of hope for patients and their families. Every step taken in this direction brings us closer to a future in which this disease can be cured.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
