Experts in vaccinology are faced with a new paradigm that goes beyond the preventive action of vaccines to delve into the cure of non-infectious pathologies, an approach exposed at the recent Congress of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), where it has also been expressed concern for social determinants and the role of communication in vaccine acceptance.
Vaccines for a vaccination campaign against flu and covid in Mallorca. EFE/MIQUEL A. BORRÀS
The future of vaccines
Specialists observe that the future of vaccines already involves curing diseases, in addition to preventing them.
“In the not too distant future, vaccines will treat and cure non-infectious diseases. We are facing a paradigm shift: they will be therapeutic vaccines that cure, not just prevent diseases. This reality also opens the door to the creation of personalized vaccines,” says the director of the Institute of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases of Malaga, Fernando Fariñas.
The most advanced research focuses on three fields of non-infectious pathologies:
- Vaccines to cure autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis).
- Certain types of cancer (such as pancreas, melanoma or lung).
- Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or dementia with Lewy bodies.
There are currently more than 300 clinical trials worldwide that focus on this therapeutic approach to vaccines. In Spain the trials are aimed at curing lung cancer and melanoma.
Even so, Fernando Fariñas adds that it is very likely that none of these vaccines will have all clinical trials completed before the year 2030. In addition, he warns that we have to be cautious because many of the investigations tend to fall by the wayside.
Fernando Fariñas during the XII Congress of the Spanish Society of Vaccinology. /Image provided by the Spanish Association of Vaccinology.
Great advances
The technology “messenger RNA” has been used in some COVID-19 vaccines, which has generated more interest and funding.
This technique consists of using genetic material which, once injected, sends information to the cells so that they make a protein, which awakens the immune response against the tumor, which will attack them without damaging healthy cells.
Among its advantages, it also stands out that it consists of a less aggressive treatment than other more traditional approaches, such as chemotherapies or radiotherapies. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these vaccines will increase if they can be applied in the early stages of the disease.
Personalized vaccines
This therapeutic technology based on messenger RNA, which is still in the development phase, applies the proteins of the tumorr, which allows this personalization of treatment.
“Tumors express proteins and these can be specific to a certain type of cancer and appear, therefore, in all people who suffer from it, but if there are patients in whom another different protein is expressed, which does not appear in the others , we will be able to create vaccines with their proteins to combat their tumor: we are talking about personalized vaccines,” explains Fariñas.
The trials that are being carried out also demonstrate that the effectiveness of this vaccination system is highly increased if it is used correctly. combined with immunotherapy.
Flu vaccination campaign in Asturias. EFE/ JL Cereijido
Vaccination is not a matter of belief but of science
During the Congress, the Spanish Association of Vaccinology stressed that it is vital to raise awareness among health professionals and the general population that Vaccines are and should be present at all stages of lifefrom childhood to maturity.
The specialists declared that it is necessary encourage the vaccine cultureaccompany patients in their vaccination process and continue to spread the word that vaccines are the safest medications that exist.
“Vaccination is not a matter of belief, but of science. Vaccines have saved us from Covid-19, they solved the problem of polio and eradicated smallpox, and we must not forget it,” explained Rosario Cáceres, co-president of the Organizing Committee of the XII Congress of the AEV.
For this reason, Rosario Cáceres has stressed that vaccines must be understood as a healthy lifestyle habitjust like exercising or taking care of your diet.
The Future of Vaccines: More Than Just Shots in the Arm!
Exciting news from the world of vaccinology, folks! Now, when you think of vaccines, it seems they’re not just about avoiding the sniffles but are gearing up to tackle some serious health issues. You know, it’s like having your cake and eating it too, only this cake is full of antibodies and has a side of giggles!
A New Paradigm in Medicine
At the recent Congress of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), experts were all buzzing about this transformative approach to vaccines—not just preventive, but also curative. Yes, you heard that right! It’s not just about dodging the flu, it’s about *curing* everything from pesky autoimmune diseases to cancers. Someone get me a hazmat suit; I’m diving headfirst into this vaccine revolution!
“In the not too distant future, vaccines will treat and cure non-infectious diseases,” says Fernando Fariñas, who presumably has a glorious mustache and a dream of curing everything—like a wand-waving magician of health!
What Are We Talking About?
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty. The current focus of this research highlights three major areas of interest that could change the game:
- Autoimmune diseases (think MS, or multiple sclerosis—no, not a fancy new car model).
- Certain cancers—namely those that sound like they’d kill your weekend: pancreas, melanoma, or lung.
- Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and a bunch of complicated words that make my brain hurt just looking at them.
Oh, and just a casual mention—right now, over 300 clinical trials are happening worldwide! In Spain, they’re particularly fixated on lung cancer and melanoma… Probably because “moonwalking” doesn’t actually help in curing anything.
Hold Your Horses!
But before you all rush out to the nearest clinic with your arms wide open, Fariñas advises us to take a chill pill. It’s unlikely these super-vaccines will be ready before 2030, and many could end up being nothing more than grand ideas that fell by the wayside. Kind of like my plans to become a professional juggler.
Messing with mRNA – In a Good Way!
Now onto the techy stuff: “Messenger RNA” vaccines. Ring a bell from your COVID conversations? They’ve taken the spotlight, and guess what? This nifty tech uses genetic material to tell your cells to whip up proteins that can take a kick to cancer’s backside while leaving your healthy cells alone. It’s kind of like having a bodyguard that only targets troublemakers!
The Grand Personalization
Here’s where it gets really interesting: those vaccines? They could be personalized! The director explained it beautifully when he said,
“We can create vaccines for each person’s specific cancer proteins. We’re talking about personalized vaccines!”
Sort of like tailoring your suit, but instead, you’re outfitting your immune system with its own bespoke armor against cancer. Talk about a glow-up!
Science Over Belief
Now let’s get serious for a moment. At the Congress, it was made clear: “Vaccination is not a matter of belief, but of science.” You don’t just wish upon a star and hope for good health! We’ve seen how vaccines obliterated polio and kicked smallpox to the curb. They’re not just for kids; they’re for **all** stages of life, folks. So, if you thought you could dodge your shots forever, think again!
Rosario Cáceres summed it up perfectly:
“Vaccines are a healthy lifestyle habit, just like exercising or eating your greens without complaining!”
So there you have it, folks! A glimpse into a future where vaccines are not just your annual flu shot, but the very thing that could revolutionize how we handle serious illnesses. Exciting times ahead, until then, stay healthy and may your vaccine history be filled with *lots and lots* of stamps!
Have been making quite a splash lately, especially with their role in the COVID-19 vaccines. This revolutionary technology works by utilizing genetic material that instructs our cells to produce a protein. That protein then triggers an immune response that specifically targets tumors—talk about creating a superhero in your own body, right? And the cherry on top? This treatment is less aggressive than the traditional heavyweights, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Plus, catching diseases in their early stages significantly ramps up their efficacy—so timing in medicine is everything!
Tailored Treatments: Personalized Vaccines
Now, let’s chat about the concept of *personalized vaccines*! These fancy creations are crafted using the specific proteins expressed by an individual’s tumor. This means that, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, you could get a vaccine made just for you! Fariñas explains this thrilling possibility: “Tumors express proteins that are unique to specific types of cancer. If a patient expresses a distinct protein unique from others with the same cancer, we can whip up a custom vaccine using those proteins to tackle the tumor!” It’s like your very own health gadget, made to fit your specific health needs.
And just in case you thought this pandemic of innovation couldn’t get any better, these personalized vaccines are shown to shine even brighter when paired with immunotherapy. It’s like the ultimate buddy-cop duo, tackling bad guys together!
Vaccination: A Lifelong Commitment
As we move forward, it’s essential for both healthcare professionals and the general public to grasp the significance of vaccines throughout all life stages. The Spanish Association of Vaccinology highlighted that vaccination is not just a preventive measure but a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. It’s like eating your greens but for your immune system!
Rosario Cáceres, a key player during the Congress, emphasized that we need to foster a robust culture around vaccinations, stating, “Vaccination is not a matter of belief, but of science. Vaccines are amongst the safest medications we have. They’ve rescued us from pandemics and diseases. Let’s not forget that!” The takeaway? Vaccination should be viewed as a fundamental healthy practice, right alongside regular exercise and a balanced diet.
The Conclusion
As we embark on this promising journey for vaccines to move beyond their traditional roles, the potential is immense. Therapeutic and personalized vaccines could revolutionize how we approach diseases previously deemed challenging. And while it may be some time before these developments come to fruition, the advancements in science shine a beacon of hope for a healthier future!