Could Vaccines Change the Face of Cancer Treatment?

These vaccines however, will have to overcome a few hurdles before implementation, including the reimbursement issue. Manufacturers must therefore not only demonstrate that new vaccines are superior to other products on the market, but also that pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine are worth the anticipated additional cost. However, following the first multi-billion dollar cancer vaccine blockbuster Gardasil, developed to prevent certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), drug makers are taking notice, promising more cancer vaccines on the horizon against the likes of colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancers, as well as a possible vaccine against H1N1 influenza. Kalorama Information estimates that cancer vaccine sales will more than double from U.S. $1.8 billion in 2008 to $4.2 billion by 2012, and that this unprecedented growth will create countless opportunities for market participants.

"Several promising vaccines are in late stage development and are preparing for regulatory review in the United States and internationally,” said Kalorama Information analyst Melissa Elder. "Many of the products … are already in Phase III development, have orphan drug status, SPA status, or Fast Track status, which promises a bright future for many of these products.”

Gardasil, a product of Merck (Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA), vaccinates specifically HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11. HPV types 16 and 18 currently cause about 70% of cervical, 26% of head and neck, and many vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancer cases. HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil can only prevent, not treat, HPV infections, so to be effective it must be given before HPV infection occurs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends vaccination before adolescence and potential sexual activity.

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