Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada. Approximately 37 people are diagnosed a day and bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat [1]. Despite advancements in treatment options available, this disease remains challenging due to its high recurrence rate, which is estimated to be 60-70%. [2] Therefore, disease management requires ongoing monitoring and repeated interventions, which places a considerable burden on patients and healthcare systems. Harnessing the power of the body’s immune system via a vaccine to target cancer cells is an appealing approach to reducing the likelihood of recurrence and improving long-term outcomes.  

Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics Ltd, a biotechnology company based in BC, and Dr. Peter Black from UBC will collaborate on developing a new vaccine to treat bladder cancer. The genomics data of bladder cancer will be analyzed to identify commonalities at the molecular level that can assist the body’s immune system in recognizing and attacking cancer cells. These molecular commonalities will then be included in the design and production of prototype vaccines, which will be tested to determine a suitable vaccine candidate to advance in the drug development process.  

By training the immune system to better identify cancer cells, a vaccine may offer a vital defence against the initial development of bladder cancer and its recurrence and aid in destroying cancer cells that remain after other treatments. 

[1] Bladder Cancer Statistics and Risk Factors: https://bladdercancercanada.org/en/bladder-cancer/bladder-cancer-statistics-and-risk-factors/ 

[2] Bladder Cancer Statistics and Risk Factors: https://bladdercancercanada.org/en/bladder-cancer/bladder-cancer-statistics-and-risk-factors/