Nanoparticle Vaccine Prevents Cancer and Stops Spread in Mice

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst have created a new type of cancer vaccine that successfully prevents tumors and stops cancer from spreading in mice. The vaccine uses tiny particles called nanoparticles to train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells before they can grow or spread.

Led by biomedical engineer Prabhani Atukorale, the research team tested the vaccine on three aggressive types of cancer: melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. In one study, mice received the vaccine and were later exposed to melanoma cells. Most of the vaccinated mice, about 80 percent, remained healthy and survived for more than eight months. In contrast, mice that received a traditional vaccine or no vaccine at all developed tumors and died within just over a month.

The vaccine works by combining cancer-specific proteins with nanoparticles that boost the immune response. These nanoparticles act like delivery vehicles, helping the body’s immune cells recognize cancer as a threat and respond quickly. The result is a stronger and longer-lasting defense than what traditional vaccines typically provide.

One of the most promising findings was the vaccine’s ability to prevent metastasis, which is when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. In another test, mice were exposed to cancer cells that normally travel through the bloodstream and form tumors in the lungs. None of the vaccinated mice developed lung tumors, while all of the unvaccinated mice did. This suggests that the vaccine not only stops cancer from starting but also protects against future spread.

The researchers believe this technology could lead to personalized cancer vaccines. Because the nanoparticle system can be paired with different cancer markers, it may one day be tailored to match a patient’s specific tumor. This would make it easier to create custom treatments without needing complex genetic testing.