In 2009, approximately 1.5 million new cancer cases were
diagnosed in the United States. With an annual mortality rate of over 500,000
per year, cancer is the nation’s second leading cause of death.
One promising area of treatment and prevention is the
development of cancer vaccinations where the body can be stimulated to produce
an immune response against tumor cells. However, identifying “tumor specific
antigens” (TSAs) from cancer cells has proven elusive.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have discovered methods for identifying candidate antigens for
inclusion in a therapeutic cancer vaccine.
The investigators identified tumor specific antigens or
“Novopeptides” from frameshift peptides which were uniquely found in tumor
cells. These Novopeptides, derived from mutations in cancer cells, are not
expected to pose a risk of autoimmunity and tolerance, such as whole-cell based
therapies do.
Potential Applications
- Vaccine development
- Early detection of cancer
- Clinical diagnostics
Benefits and Advantages
- Identifies tumor specific Novopeptides for diagnosing,
preventing, and treating cancer
- Stimulates immune response against specific cancer
- Low risk of autoimmunity and tolerance
Download original PDF
For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr. Lake's
departmental webpage
Dr.
Johnston's directory webpage
