Scientists tested a vaccine that prevents the development of cancer in mice.

      According to the publication Novaya Nauka, the vaccine provided protection in laboratory mice for 250 days and demonstrated up to 88% efficacy against some tumor types.

      The vaccine's mode of action is similar to that of classic antiviral agents: it "trains" the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells when they appear. It contains nanoparticles carrying tumor cell antigens, as well as a so‑called "super" adjuvant — a substance that enhances the immune response.

      In the first experiment, mice were injected with nanoparticles containing melanoma peptides. Several weeks later the animals were exposed to skin cancer cells. In the group that received the vaccine, 80% of the animals survived, and all of them remained tumor‑free for 250 days. For comparison — all unvaccinated mice died within seven weeks.

      In the second experiment the researchers used a more universal antigen — a tumor lysate made from destroyed cancer cells. This version of the vaccine showed efficacy against pancreatic cancer, melanoma and triple‑negative breast cancer: survival rates were 88%, 69% and 75% of the animals, respectively.

      The scientists note that 100% of the surviving mice subsequently showed no signs of tumor recurrence. According to the authors of the study, the success is based on the use of lipid nanoparticles that deliver two immune adjuvants into cells at once, which significantly strengthens the body's response.

      So far the trials have been conducted only in animals, but the researchers believe the technology could be adapted for prevention and treatment of various forms of cancer in humans — especially in patients at increased risk of the disease.