In mouse trials, scientists have demonstrated the efficacy of a peptide vaccine against breast cancer. The vaccine includes toll-like receptor agonists as well as antibodies to blunt other aspects of the immune system that might interfere with a strong killer T cell response.

The vaccine was most effective in preventing spontaneous tumors when it was given once at week eight - along with anti-CD25 antibodies -- when most mice have excessive and often precancerous breast tissue growth called hyperplasia. It completely prevented spontaneous tumors in HER2/neu mice up to 35 weeks of age. Even without the antibody, tumors took much longer to develop, and when they did, they grew more slowly.

Naturally, human trials will have to be performed, but researchers believe that this kind of vaccine formulation may be helpful for women who have a high likelihood of developing breast cancer, such as those with pre-malignant hyperplasia or those who are genetically predisposed to a higher breast cancer risk.

Source: American Association for Cancer Research

[Image: Normal breast with non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in an enlarged cross-section of the duct. Source: BreastCancer.org]