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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Andrew Gregory Health editor in Chicago

What are cancer vaccines and have scientists finally found a cure?

Conceptual illustration of a needle going into a tumour
The vaccines are custom built for each patient by removing a sample of their tumour, followed by DNA sequencing. Illustration: Sigrid Gombert/Science Photo Library RF

What are cancer vaccines?

Cancer vaccines are a form of immunotherapy. Unlike vaccines that protect from an infection, such as the Covid-19 jab, cancer vaccines treat people who already have the disease. They are designed to help the patient’s immune system recognise and then kill cancer cells – and prevent them from coming back.

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