OncoVAX, Other Vaccines Provide Hope For Colorectal Cancer Treatment, Prevention

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Immune System / Vaccines;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 17 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PST

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Propelled by advances in molecular biology, the treatment of colorectal cancer is on the verge of dramatic change and a promising future as innovative vaccines will replace chemotherapy. According to a new report from Kalorama Information, "Cancer Vaccines: Market Forecasts, New Developments and Pipeline Analysis," this market, lead by OncoVAX, is poised for unprecedented growth, creating countless opportunities for market participants.

More than 1.2 million cases of colon cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year with more than 529,000 deaths, which displays a considerable medical need. In the United States colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer, accounting for approximately 50,000 deaths and about 20% of all deaths from cancer.

Most new cases of colon cancer require surgery for removal of tumors followed by chemotherapy to prevent recurrences. A vaccine that eliminates cancer recurrences without the side effects and with a better survival rate will be very beneficial to patients after colorectal cancer surgery.

Past attempts to find cancer vaccines failed because scientists had a crude understanding of the molecular mechanics of the immune system and cancer cells. But patients will soon benefit from advances in DNA profiling and the emerging field of pharmacogenomics.

"Pharmacogenomics will lead to tailored treatments based on a tumor's specific genetic profile, which will allow physicians to treat tumors based on their genetic make-up rather than their location," notes Kalorama Information analyst Melissa Elder. "One such tailored treatment is OncoVAX offered by Vaccinogen to treat colorectal cancer."

Several colorectal cancer vaccines are in development, including TroVAX, Avicine and Oncophage in phase II, but the closest to market is OncoVAX. Currently in Phase III development, OncoVAX is an active-specific immunotherapeutic for the post-surgical treatment of patients diagnosed with Stage II colon cancer. It is prepared using the patient's own surgically removed tumor, which is enzymatically treated, frozen, and irradiated to render the cells non-tumorogenic.

Kalorama Information's report "Cancer Vaccines: Market Forecasts, New Developments and Pipeline Analysis," focuses on both preventative and therapeutic cancer vaccines in development. A market overview, cancer statistics, market estimates and forecasts for 2008-2012 are included, as well as discussions of current issues and trends affecting the industry. For further information click here.

About Kalorama Information

Kalorama Information supplies the latest in independent market research in the life sciences, as well as a full range of custom research services. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics.

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