The Cancer Vaccine Coalition, founded by breast cancer survivor Kristen Dahlgren, is working to accelerate the development and approval of effective cancer vaccines in the U.S., highlighting international progress in large-scale vaccine trials.

Cancer vaccines are approaching a pivotal moment, representing a shift toward less toxic, more effective treatments, with Kristen Dahlgren emphasizing their importance for patient care.

WOKVAC, one of the most advanced breast cancer vaccines, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and strong immune responses in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

The vaccine's expansion aims to enroll more participants to better understand its immune-stimulating capabilities and enhance the trial’s statistical power.

A $500,000 grant from the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, in partnership with The V Foundation, will fund the expansion of the University of Washington's WOKVAC clinical trial, aiming to revolutionize breast cancer treatment.

The partnership and funding are driven by WOKVAC’s potential to significantly impact treatment, especially for the aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer subtype.

The WOKVAC trial involves administering the vaccine alongside chemotherapy and targeted therapies before surgery in patients with stage one to three HER2-positive breast cancer, aiming to boost immune response and create long-lasting immunity.

Led by Dr. Nora Disis and Dr. Will Gwin at UW, the trial focuses on harnessing the immune system to prevent cancer recurrence and improve long-term outcomes.

The trial aims to enhance immune response during treatment and generate durable immune memory, potentially transforming breast cancer therapy and improving patient prognosis.

Supported by a $2 million matching gift from the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation, the trial's expansion is considered high-impact research with global implications.

Patient testimonies, like that of Carmel Laurino, reflect hope and perceived protection from the vaccine, underscoring its potential to save lives.

WOKVAC targets HER2 and other cancer proteins to stimulate tumor-specific immunity, addressing the needs of over 280,000 women diagnosed annually with breast cancer, particularly the aggressive HER2-positive type.