Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Therapy
Medical Supporter — Information Notice
This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
What Is Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Therapy?
Neoantigens are specific cancer antigens identified by analyzing mutated genes in cancer cells (genomic analysis). Synthesized peptides based on specific neoantigens serve as cancer vaccines, designed to activate each patient's cancer-specific immune cells.
Characteristics of Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Therapy
Since the vaccine uses only antigens expressed in cancer cells, it creates very high immunogenicity in the body. Current cancer antigens used in neoantigen cancer vaccines are antigens commonly present in cancer cells but also expressed in small amounts in normal cells. In contrast, neoantigens are antigens expressed only in cancer cells, making neoantigen cancer vaccines highly immunogenic.
Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Therapy Helps Induce Anti-Tumor Immunity
Neoantigens are identified through next-generation sequencing analysis of cancer cell genes, with individualized analysis for each patient. Therefore, neoantigen peptide vaccine therapy has the characteristic of helping induce anti-tumor immunity.
Few Serious Adverse Effects
Neoantigen cancer vaccine therapy activates patients' own immune systems, resulting in few serious adverse effects. However, since it is an injection-based treatment, the injection site may experience temporary redness and itching, and patients may experience low-grade fever and mild discomfort.
Treatment Process:
- Collect tissue and samples from surgery or biopsy (provide 10 glass slides containing tumor tissue >30%, unstained, 10 μm thickness)
- Analyze and select neoantigens (approximately one month required)
- Synthesize neoantigens (approximately several weeks required)
- Mix with immune adjuvants
- Administer via subcutaneous injection (once every 1–2 weeks for a total of 4–7 injections; total treatment duration approximately 1.5–3 months)
- Coordinate with other therapies (as recommended by physician)
- Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Platinum Cancer Support Clinic: Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Therapy
Genetic sequencing testing on tumor tissue or blood identifies tumor antigens and synthesizes multiple neoantigens, creating a personalized vaccine tailored to each patient's tumor and administered to induce anti-tumor immune responses. This clinical approach has extensive research and trials at Kyushu University and the University of Tokyo Institute of Medical Science Hospital. (Hijikata Yasuki et al., Clinical Immunology. 2016; Hijikata Yasuki et al., PLoS One. 2018)
Platinum Cancer Support Clinic Second Opinion Service
Analysis and recommendations for cancer treatment plans provided by the University of Tokyo Institute of Medical Science Hospital, Department of Palliative Care and Oncology, led by Dr. Hijikata Yasuki. Note: Please arrange online consultation appointments three days in advance.
University of Tokyo Medical Science Institute Hospital Physician: Hijikata Yasuki
- University of Tokyo Institute of Medical Science Hospital, Department of Palliative Care and Oncology
- Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Board-Certified Internist
- Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Training Physician Supervisor
- Japanese Cancer Treatment Certified Physician
- Regenerative Medicine Certified Physician
- Japan Medical Association Industry Certified Physician
Specializing in frontline cancer treatment and participating in cutting-edge cancer treatment clinical research. From immune cell culture to administration, this oncologist participates in the entire process of clinical research and is rare in combining cultivation and clinical experience.
If you have questions about neoantigen cancer vaccine therapy, second opinion appointments, or wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us — our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
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