This is without a doubt one of the greatest hopes in the fight against breast cancer. U.S. researchers have tested a vaccine against the disease in mice and the results are spectacular.
According to the journal Nature Medicine, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute say that single doses given to mice have shown impressive results. For the vast majority, the results were favourable in preventing the disease. In addition, it also slowed down the growth of existing tumours.
Immunologist Vincent Tuohy said, "We believe that this vaccine will someday be used to prevent breast cancer in adult women in the same way that vaccines have prevented many childhood diseases. If it works in humans the way it works in mice, this will be monumental. We could eliminate breast cancer."
The injected medication helps the immune system attack a particular protein in breast cancer cells and breast tissue. Tests on humans may begin next year.
If everything is successful, the vaccine may be given to women 40 and older. It could also be an option for younger children who are at risk.