Prophylactic Vaccines for Nonviral Cancers

The successful development of prophylactic cancer vaccines targeting oncogenic viruses has demonstrated the potential for vaccination to reduce the global burden of cancer. However, most human cancers are not caused by viruses, and therefore novel approaches are needed for the successful development of prophylactic cancer vaccines for nonviral cancers. In this review, we detail evidence that the human immune system can recognize and eliminate non-virus-caused cancers before they become clinically apparent. We also discuss the design of an ideal prophylactic vaccine with the goal of providing a lasting adaptive immune response against antigen targets that arise early in a cancer's development.