Improving Cure Rates in Cancer Treatment with Viral Vector Vaccines

At the 5th International Vaccine Science Congress in Kayseri, Prof. Dr. Hakan Akbulut, the Director of the Cancer Research Institute at Ankara University, reflected on his 31 years of work in cancer research. He noted that approximately 60% of patients diagnosed during his early years lost their battle with cancer.

Prof. Akbulut emphasized significant advancements in cancer treatment since the 2000s, highlighting the introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, known as "smart drugs". He pointed out a 10% increase in cancer treatment success over the past two decades.

Photo: Esma Küçükşahin/AA

He stated that while global cancer treatment success rates have risen to around 55%, there's still a significant 40% failure rate, particularly in advanced cancer stages. Early diagnosis is key to better treatment outcomes.

Akbulut mentioned the need for new and more effective therapies, highlighting viral and gene therapies as critical candidates, which have shown a success rate of up to 50% in resistant cases.

Innovative Cancer Vaccine Research at Ankara University

His team has developed 4 viral vector vaccine candidates, with one in Phase 1 clinical trials set to launch next year. Акbulut expressed hope that their vector could increase the cancer success rate by 15%.

The Future of Cancer Treatment Lies in Viral Vectors

Currently, there are two approved cancer vaccines globally: one for skin cancer and another for bladder tumors, derived from herpes and adenoviruses. Akbulut cautioned about the high costs of these treatments, emphasizing the need for investments in local vaccine production in Turkey to avoid economic losses in the future.

He reassured that their viral vectors pose minimal risk compared to traditional treatments, making them a safer alternative for patients.