California-based Dr Rath Research Institute, a non-profit organisation dedicated to research and education in natural health worldwide, revealed on Wednesday that a team of its researchers has developed a cancer vaccine to reduce tumour growth.

The institute stated that the peptide-based vaccine targets specific enzymes called metalloproteinases (MMPs). These enzymes are necessary for any cancer to grow tumours, metastasize and form blood vessels in tumours (angiogenesis). Research showed that test mice, vaccinated with peptides containing specific sequences from MMP-2 and MMP-9 and subsequently challenged with melanoma cancer cells, had an average reduction in tumour volume by about 76% compared to unvaccinated controls. It added that some vaccinated animals did not develop any cancer at all.

When compared to monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) or biosimilar molecules recently developed to combat cancer, the anti MMP vaccine approach promises to be much more effective as well as affordable in the global fight against the disease. Mabs/biosimilars are directed against one specific type of cancer, but the anti-MMP vaccine can target all types of the disease at once. Also, while the Mabs/biosimilars usually require an injection once or twice each month, the anti-MMP vaccine would require one single vaccination with potential boosts only after several years.

The Dr Rath Research Institute added that successful development of anti-MMP vaccination means it could be offered to the public by national or international health services at a reasonable cost.