Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention: The α-LA Vaccine

Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention: The α-LA Vaccine

Carina Garcia
June 2025

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and leading cause of death in women globally. Current treatments require multidisciplinary care, allowing for personalized therapies and treatments accounting for certain biomarkers.[3,8] The standard course of treatment for early-stage breast cancer is breast-conserving surgery with radiotherapy or mastectomy, and dependent on the case, may also incorporate adjuvant systemic therapy as needed. Further, the treatment for metastatic breast cancer aims to optimize patient’s quality of life and survival.[8] Breast cancer care is continuously evolving with new, innovative preventive care and treatments, many of which are currently in development and undergoing trials. Among the advancements underway, a promising vaccine known as the α-Lactalbumin (α-LA) vaccine has drawn interest for its targeted approach, focusing on a breast-specific protein.[7] This novel approach could pave the way for the future of breast cancer prevention and improve women’s health.

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What is α-LA?

α-LA is a breast-restricted protein only expressed during lactation, and it serves as a unique marker for breast cancer.[5,6] Notably, studies have shown that the highest α-LA expression levels were found in patients with stage IV breast cancer. These levels are comparable to those found in women in the last trimester of pregnancy and patients with gynecological cancers. Moreover, the level of α-LA in pregnant females were significantly higher than women with benign breast tumours or non-gynecological cancers and for non-pregnant females and males. Additionally, it is crucial to note that the level of α-LA in patients with stage IV breast cancer were significantly higher than patients with stage I-III breast cancer.[6] Given this context, the elevation of α-LA protein in advanced stages of breast cancer makes it a feasible target for a prophylactic cancer vaccination.[5,7] The groundbreaking concept of an α-LA-targeted vaccine strategy builds upon previous research by the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, which successfully found that the α-LA vaccination completely prevented breast cancer growth in mice at risk for the disease.[4,7] Therefore, further understanding the processes that enable the vaccine to target cancerous cells will provide valuable insights into its potential effectiveness in human patients.

The Inner Workings of the Vaccine 

The α-LA vaccine intends to activate the immune system, forming a protective response against breast cancer cells expressing α-LA.[1] Studies indicate the viability of clinically-inducing a proinflammatory immune response against α-LA.[7] Further, this prophylactic vaccine does not cause any significant inflammation in normal, nonlactating breast tissue, thus minimizing the potential risks of the vaccine.[5] The vaccine also contained an immunologic adjuvant, a drug that enhances the immune response against α-LA to prevent tumor growth.[4]

The α-LA vaccine is an experimental drug not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[2] Recently, Anixa Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company, completed a phase-one clinical trial of the α-LA vaccine. This trial focused on individuals who have completed treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as well as those at high risk for the disease or its recurrence.[1,4] 

The aim of the phase-one trial was to determine the optimal dosage for participants with early-stage TNBC and to enhance the immune response to the vaccine. The study also included cancer-free individuals who are at high risk for developing TNBC or who have chosen to undergo prophylactic mastectomy because they have a high genetic risk for the disease.[4] 

The three cohorts of this trial included: 

  1. Participants with high-risk TNBC.
  2. Participants scheduled for prophylactic mastectomy secondary to genetic risk of TBNC.
  3. Participants that are post-TBNC treatment and are receiving adjuvant pembrolizumab.[2]

TNBC is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, accounting for 12% to 15% of all breast cancer cases, with a mortality rate of about 25% within five years of diagnosis. At present, the only reliable preventive measure for those at high risk for TNBC is undergoing a mastectomy. Thus, the development of the α-LA vaccine represents a significant step towards alternative preventative care for those affected by or at risk for TNBC.[4]

Optimism at a Professional Level

“We believe we have made significant progress in the development of this vaccine, having recently completed enrollment in the Phase 1 clinical trial. We look forward to the next stage of development and are optimistic about the impact this vaccine could have in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer,” said Amit Kumar, Ph.D, CEO of Anixa Biosciences, Inc.[1] 

The innovative vaccine strategy of the α-LA vaccine inspires a hopeful outlook for the future, where scientific advancements can yield transformative solutions for women’s health.

“Long term, we are hoping that this can be a true preventive vaccine that would be administered to cancer-free individuals to prevent them from developing this highly aggressive disease,” says oncologist Dr. G. Thomas Budd in a statement to the Cleveland Clinic.[4] 


Cervical Cancer and HPV: A Preventable Disease

Cervical Cancer and HPV: A Preventable Disease

Ali A. Lateef
June 2025

While breast cancer is linked to a number of genetic and environmental factors, cervical cancer is overwhelmingly a virus-linked condition. Specifically, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 95% of cervical malignancies.[7]  It is this link between HPV and cervical cancer that makes eliminating the latter a possibility by controlling and eradicating the former.

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Overview

HPV is not one entity, but instead a group of variant yet similar pathogens. It is linked to many types of cancer in addition to cervical cancer such as vulvar, vaginal, anorectal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers.

Most infections with HPV are effectively handled by the immune system without any long-term issues and often without the person knowing they were even infected because of a lack of symptoms. If, however, it does persist, and it’s one of the cancer-causing (oncogenic) types, then it becomes a source of concern.

In symptomatic infections with certain HPV types, warts start developing in various areas including the hands and feet, mouth and face, and/or the anal and genital areas, resolving on their own in a matter of 1-2 years. These wart-causing types are not connected to cancers, and the oncogenic types usually cause completely silent infections.

After 15-20 years of infection with an oncogenic type, cancerous development could be seen in the cervix. Early stages are often asymptomatic and only when there’s been significant growth can cancer symptoms usually be seen.[5]

The Lived Experience

Cervical cancer takes decades to develop, and symptoms can take time to appear, so for most patients hearing the news that they’ve got cancer is often a blindsiding experience, and they have little time to fully digest the news as they must hastily decide upon a treatment plan.

When they arise, symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (post-menopause, between periods, after sex, or heavier/longer than usual), pelvic pain, and in more progressive disease swelling of the legs and urinary or bowel issues.[2]

Within weeks, a person can go from believing themself to be completely healthy to possibly preparing to undergo surgery that may approach a radical hysterectomy.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and brachytherapy (internal radiation) can cause a host of side effects: nausea and vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, skin issues, bowel and urinary issues, and loss of appetite/weight, with the whole experience being physically tiring and emotionally draining.

Throughout this journey, support from friends and family provides a lifeline for many patients to not lose themselves in worry and doubt, and support from their partners can help maintain the connection of intimacy between them.[1]

Prevention, Protection, Treatment

The principal method of HPV control is vaccination, with the American CDC recommending routine vaccination at 11-12 years of age.

The vaccine currently used in the USA is the 9-valent Gardasil®, meaning that it protects against 9 HPV types, most notable among them are types 16 and 18 which alone cause 66% of cervical cancers. Overall, the types covered by the vaccine account for about 81% of all cervical cancer cases.[6]

Practicing safe sex has some efficacy in protecting against HPV, although condoms don’t offer full skin protection and a significant percentage of the sexually active population is infected at any given time, so the main prevention strategy remains vaccination, accompanied with safe sex and limiting the number of sexual partners.[4]

If someone gets infected with HPV, there’s currently no cure for it, but that may change in the future as a new vaccine, Vvax001, is being tested as a potential treatment for type 16 positive patients with premalignant developments in their cervix.[3] Findings from its phase 2 trial were published in March of this year, so there’s still more testing to be done before it becomes available.

Conclusion

While HPV has a tendency towards malignancy, the process occurs at a very slow rate making the development of cancers span decades.

Cervical cancer symptoms can take time to arise, and when they do arise they’re sometimes confused for other conditions which delays proper diagnosis and treatment, making routine Pap smears essential for accurate early diagnoses.

By educating ourselves and future generations about how we can protect ourselves from this disease, sharing the stories of survivors, promoting vaccination, and attending regular screenings, we can become one of the last generations to ever suffer from this disease.


Exercise Arises as a Key Strategy to Reduce Falls in Polypharmacy for Elderly Women 

Exercise Arises as a Key Strategy to Reduce Falls in Polypharmacy for Elderly Women 

Steven Shin
March 2025

Among the elderly, a condition known as polypharmacy became one of the most significant public health concerns. Recent research by the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital has highlighted the effectiveness of structured exercise in reducing fall risks in elderly women.[3] The study underscores the importance of incorporating physical activity into healthcare strategies aimed at fall prevention. 

The Impact of Polypharmacy on Physical Function 

Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of four or more medications, has been linked to deteriorating physical fitness and an increased risk of falls.[3] As older adults frequently require multiple medications to manage chronic conditions, this association is concerning. However, while previous studies have suggested a direct correlation between polypharmacy and higher fall risks, the recent findings challenge this notion by demonstrating that targeted exercise programs can mitigate these risks.[2] 

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The Kuopio Fall Prevention Study: A Game-Changer 

The study analyzed data from the Kuopio Fall Prevention Study, a randomized controlled trial involving 914 women with a median age of 76.5 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. The exercise program consisted of twice-weekly guided exercise sessions, including tai chi and circuit training, for the first six months. Afterward, participants were granted free access to the city’s recreational sports facilities for an additional six months.[3] Fitness assessments were conducted at baseline, one year, and two years into the study. Medication use was tracked through self-reported questionnaires, and falls were monitored for approximately two years via biweekly SMS queries.[3] 

The results of the study were compelling. Among participants with polypharmacy, those engaged in the exercise intervention exhibited a 29% lower risk of falls compared to the control group taking zero to one medications.[1] Additionally, while 1,380 falls were recorded during the study period—739 of which resulted in injury or pain and 63 in fractures—polypharmacy did not increase the likelihood of falls in the control group.[3] Moreover, fitness tests revealed that participants using zero to one medications generally performed better than those with polypharmacy. However, individuals with the poorest physical fitness at the outset of the study

benefited the most from the intervention.[2] This finding suggests that physical activity can significantly enhance functional ability, even among those with limited mobility. 

Patient Outcomes and Future Directions 

The study’s findings reinforce the need to integrate structured exercise programs into standard geriatric care. Healthcare professionals should actively encourage physical activity, particularly for elderly patients managing multiple medications. The benefits of tai chi and circuit training extend beyond fall prevention; they contribute to improved balance, strength, and overall quality of life.[4] 

Additionally, previous research has linked polypharmacy to reduced physical function, further emphasizing the importance of targeted exercise interventions. For example, a systematic review  found a reciprocal relationship between polypharmacy and diminished physical performance in older adults. Similarly, findings from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development indicated that polypharmacy at ages 60 to 69 was associated with poorer cognitive and physical capabilities, even when accounting for chronic disease burden.[1] 

Given the significant benefits demonstrated by the Kuopio Fall Prevention Study, exercise should be a cornerstone of fall prevention strategies for elderly individuals, particularly those with polypharmacy. Encouraging participation in structured physical activity programs may not only reduce fall risk but also enhance overall physical well-being. Future research should continue exploring how tailored interventions can further optimize outcomes for older adults managing multiple medications. 


Fertility Preservation: What is oocyte cryopreservation and why has it increased in popularity?   

Fertility Preservation: What is oocyte cryopreservation and why has it increased in popularity?   

Chaimaa Riad
February 2025

What is Oocyte Cryopreservation?

Oocyte cryopreservation is also known as egg freezing. This is a procedure in which a woman’s eggs are retrieved, frozen and stored to preserve her ability to conceive later in life, while she is still of reproductive age.[1] The eggs are specifically extracted from the body before their fertilization. Once they are ready to be used, the eggs undergo a thawing process to be transferred into the uterus and become fertilized for pregnancy.[1] Oocyte cryopreservation is considered a form of preventative healthcare.[2]

The first successful pregnancy recorded via egg freezing was in 1986. [3] Oocyte cryopreservation began to combat possible infertility in women with medical conditions like cancer, in which chemotherapy and pelvic radiation could damage their reproductive organs, or autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus. [4] However, there has been a large increase in the number of egg freezing procedures in the last six years for more social reasons. An increasing number of women have decided to do this procedure for financial, professional, or simply personal reasons. Studies have shown that many women believed that becoming pregnant before 35 would negatively impact their careers. [5] Women have been especially inclined to do this procedure with improvements in medical technology and even the use of AI in improving the freezing and thawing process for optimal fertilization. [4]

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There are multiple risks of oocyte cryopreservation. Short-term adverse effects include general symptoms such as nausea, headache, irritability, chest pain, pelvic pain, and oliguria (decreased urine output). [2] Additionally, there are increased risks that come with assisted reproductive techniques (ART), which include preterm birth. This is one of the more severe risks, which also carries the potential risk of cerebral palsy. [5] Furthermore, women who undergo oocyte cryopreservation are more likely to be older. As women age, the complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, and the need for a cesarean section tend to increase. [5]

It is also important to consider both the emotional and financial impacts of this procedure on women. This process is invasive and often requires women to undergo multiple cycles of egg freezing.[3] These procedures can cost anywhere between $5,000-$10,000 per cycle. [4]

It is crucial for women to connect to a team of specialists who can thoroughly explain the benefits, drawbacks, and risks of the procedure. Additionally, counselors are essential to support women throughout the process. [2] In essence, egg freezing allows women the opportunity to have more flexibility in their family planning. There are ongoing advancements in reproductive medicine that will allow women to preserve fertility based on their own timeline. The most crucial factors to consider when deciding to freeze eggs would be the financial and emotional costs, as well as the possible risks, both long term and short term.