Every year, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) affects some 5,000 Canadians. The subtype is the most aggressive and difficult to treat and comes with a very poor prognosis. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and targeted therapies are often ineffective, as there are no known specific molecular targets to attack. As part of a research project funded by Oncopole and several other organizations, the team led by Professor Lee-Hwa Tai at the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS) is focused on finding a TNBC vaccine.
The experts’ innovative approach is driven by a viral infection method that forces TNBC cells to reveal their identity by using oncolytic viruses able to infiltrate the cancer cells specifically. Once inside, the virus destroys the host’s cancer cells by replicating and spreading. The cells then react and activate their immune defence mechanisms, triggering inflammatory responses. The reactions sparked by the viral infection provide valuable information on the cancer cells’ biological and immunological characteristics. Armed with this knowledge, the team is now working to create a tailored solution that can adapt to each patient’s individual characteristics.
The early results of preclinical trials on mice with tumours are encouraging. The vaccine improves survival, mainly by boosting the immune response through T cell activation. The research highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of TNBC and paves the way for promising new perspectives in the development of personalized and targeted therapies. The next step is to make the transition to the first clinical trials by 2030.