Promising vaccine for breast cancer shows success in animal testing

CLEVELAND — On Sunday a study was published indicating that a vaccine has successfully prevented breast cancer in mice who were genetically prone to developing the disease. Dr. Vincent Tuohy of the Cleveland Clinic is attributed with the development of this vaccine.

The vaccine contains alpha-lactalbumin, a protein typically found in healthy lactating women. The same protein, however, is also found within breast tumors. This promising breast cancer vaccine causes the body to target the alpha-lactalbumin protein, preventing the development of tumors. Because this activity in the immune system would disrupt normal lactation in women who may become pregnant, the vaccine will only be made available to women over age 40 or women who carry the gene that makes them susceptible to breast cancer.

While Dr. Tuohy is optimistic about his vaccine, saying that the vaccine could potentially “prevent breast cancer in adult women in the same way that vaccines have prevented many childhood diseases,” other experts warn that not all animal research has a significant amount of value for humans. In preparation for clinical trials, rumored to begin as early as next year, Dr. Tuohy’s team will gather important information about the safety of the drug for use in humans. If the drug is not deemed safe for human use, it will not proceed into the clinical trial stage of research.

In spite of the warnings that excitement over this vaccine may be premature, it is impossible to ignore the implications that Dr. Tuohy’s initial success could have for society.