Frameshift Mutation in the SCM1 Gene for Use as a Vaccine, Therapeutic or Prophylactic

In 2009, approximately 1.5 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States. With an annual mortality rate of over 500,000 per year, cancer is the nations second leading cause of death. One promising area of treatment and prevention is the development of cancer vaccinations where the body can be stimulated to produce an immune response against tumor cells. However, identifying tumor specific antigens (TSAs) from cancer cells has proven elusive. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have discovered methods for identifying candidate antigens for inclusion in a therapeutic cancer vaccine. The investigators identified tumor specific antigens or Novopeptides from frameshift peptides which were uniquely found in tumor cells. These Novopeptides, derived from mutations in cancer cells, are not expected to pose a risk of autoimmunity and tolerance, such as whole-cell based therapies do. Potential Applications Vaccine development Early detection of cancer Clinical diagnostics Benefits and Advantages Identifies tumor specific Novopeptides for diagnosing, preventing, and treating cancer Stimulates immune response against specific cancer Low risk of autoimmunity and toleranceDownload original PDFFor more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see Dr. Lake's departmental webpageDr. Johnston's directory webpage