Unlike vaccines that protect against infectious diseases linked to cancer, these investigational vaccines aim to train the immune system to recognize and destroy abnormal cells before they develop into tumors. Scientists say the approach could eventually reduce cancer risk and lessen the need for intensive lifelong screening among people with the inherited condition.

At least three vaccine candidates targeting Lynch syndrome are currently under development. Two are undergoing early-stage clinical trials in the United States, while another has entered initial human testing in the United Kingdom.

Among those participating in the research is Dr. Stacy Norton, a physician at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, whose family has been significantly affected by Lynch syndrome-associated cancers. Norton’s mother died from colon cancer when Norton was seven years old, and Norton herself survived an early-stage uterine cancer linked to the inherited mutation. Two of her adult children have also inherited Lynch syndrome.

Dr. Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez, lead investigator of one of the vaccine programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, said preliminary findings have been sufficiently encouraging that researchers expect to launch a larger clinical trial next year.

For Norton, the research represents hope that future generations of people with Lynch syndrome may one day rely less on frequent cancer surveillance if an effective preventive vaccine becomes available.

Lynch Syndrome Significantly Increases Cancer Risk

Lynch syndrome is caused by inherited mutations affecting DNA mismatch-repair genes, which normally correct errors that occur when cells divide. When those repair mechanisms fail, genetic mutations accumulate more rapidly, substantially increasing the likelihood of developing cancer, often before the age of 50.

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer associated with the syndrome. According to Vilar-Sanchez, while the average lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is approximately 5% in the general population, the risk may reach as high as 80% in individuals with certain Lynch syndrome mutations.

The condition is also associated with elevated risks of endometrial, ovarian, stomach, pancreatic, certain skin and some brain cancers.

After genetic testing confirmed she had Lynch syndrome in her 40s, Norton began annual colonoscopy screening and later underwent a preventive hysterectomy because of her increased cancer risk. Pathologists subsequently discovered an early-stage uterine cancer in the removed tissue.

Vaccines Target Precancerous Cells

Researchers say the experimental vaccines work differently from vaccines such as those for human papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis B, which prevent viral infections that can later lead to cancer.

Instead, the new vaccines are designed to help the immune system recognize abnormal proteins produced by precancerous cells carrying Lynch syndrome-related mutations.

One early clinical study involved Norton and 44 other participants receiving an investigational vaccine developed by Swiss biotechnology company Nouscom. The vaccine targets 209 genetic abnormalities associated with precancerous Lynch syndrome lesions.

Researchers reported in the journal Nature Medicine that the vaccine successfully stimulated tumor-fighting T cells. One year after vaccination, follow-up colonoscopies found fewer precancerous growths and no advanced polyps among participants.

Dr. John Marshall, an oncologist at Georgetown University and adviser to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance who was not involved in the study, said the findings suggest the immune system may become better equipped to suppress the development of Lynch syndrome-related tumors.

For Norton, follow-up colonoscopies performed one and two years after vaccination detected no polyps for the first time since 2014. She has since received a booster dose, with additional study results expected later this year.

Researchers at the University of Oxford have also begun evaluating an experimental mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna using technology similar to that employed in its COVID-19 vaccine.

Separately, California-based ImmunityBio is conducting a larger clinical trial evaluating its Tri-Ad5 vaccine against a placebo.

Genetic Testing May Expand Prevention Efforts

Approximately 158,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year in the United States, with most cases occurring after age 50. However, incidence among younger adults has continued to increase, although the reasons remain under investigation.

Researchers estimate Lynch syndrome affects about one in every 279 people.

Vilar-Sanchez said broader use of genetic testing among patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome-related cancers or those with strong family histories could identify more people carrying the inherited mutations and enable relatives to determine whether they also face elevated cancer risks.

Current U.S. screening guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for people at average risk using colonoscopy or other approved methods. Medical experts also advise prompt evaluation for symptoms including blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or prolonged cramping, regardless of age.

Researchers emphasized that the vaccines remain experimental and that continued screening remains the standard of care for people with Lynch syndrome while larger clinical trials evaluate the vaccines’ long-term safety and effectiveness.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Physical Activity Could Improve Survival Rates After Diagnosis

A new study suggests that exercise may significantly extend the lives of people diagnosed with colon cancer—potentially allowing them to live as long as those who never had the disease. The findings, published Monday in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society, highlight how physical activity can be a powerful tool for patients both during and after treatment.

Study Highlights the Impact of Exercise on Survival

While advances in cancer treatment have improved survival rates, people diagnosed with cancer still tend to have shorter lifespans compared to the general population. However, this study indicates that regular physical activity could help bridge that gap.

“After a colon cancer diagnosis, engaging in physical activity may help patients live longer, and for some, even as long as those without cancer,” said lead study author Dr. Justin Brown, associate professor at Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Researchers surveyed nearly 3,000 colon cancer patients about their exercise habits during and after chemotherapy. Over the course of six years, they analyzed survival rates and found that those who exercised regularly had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence and a longer lifespan.

How Exercise Fights Cancer

Though the study was observational—meaning it cannot definitively prove that exercise caused the improved survival rates—experts believe the connection is strong.

“Exercise improves heart health, mental health, and gut health, all of which play key roles in long-term survival,” said Dr. Keith Diaz, associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center.

Scientists believe physical activity helps in several ways:
Reduces inflammation – Lower inflammation levels can slow cancer growth.
Regulates insulin levels – High insulin can fuel cancer cell spread.
Strengthens the immune system – A stronger immune response helps the body detect and eliminate cancer cells.

Even Small Lifestyle Changes Matter

For colon cancer patients, making small but consistent changes in daily activity could have a significant impact.

“A small amount of physical activity each day may contribute to improved survival,” Brown emphasized. “Even little changes, when maintained over time, can make a big difference in health.”

The study found that five to six hours of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking, was associated with longer survival. However, any level of movement is beneficial, even for those who aren’t currently active.

How Much Exercise is Enough?

The study raises important questions about the ideal type, intensity, and duration of exercise for cancer patients. Other recent research suggests:
1–2 minutes of vigorous activity (e.g., power walking, strenuous housework, or playing with kids) may reduce cancer risk.
11 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily (e.g., jogging, cycling, swimming) may lower the risk of various diseases, including cancer.

A Message of Hope for Colon Cancer Survivors

Colorectal cancer is expected to become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among 20- to 49-year-olds in the U.S. by 2030. However, this research offers hope: lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, can make a real difference.

“A cancer diagnosis isn’t the end,” Diaz said. “There can be many healthy years ahead.”

Source

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