Lynch syndrome vaccines enter clinical trials to prevent colon cancer

Scientists are developing vaccines designed to train the immune system to intercept colon cancer before it develops into tumors. These efforts specifically target individuals with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition caused by faulty mismatch-repair genes that significantly increases the risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers.

At least three potential vaccines for Lynch syndrome are currently in development. Two are in early clinical trials in the United States, while a third is beginning trials in Britain. Dr. Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, who led a promising recent study, expects to initiate a larger trial early next year.

Lynch syndrome affects approximately 1 million Americans, placing them at a lifetime colorectal cancer risk of up to 80%, compared to a 5% risk for the general population. Successful vaccines could potentially reduce the need for the frequent, yearly colonoscopies currently required for those with the mutation.