Scientists Have Created a Vaccine Against Brain Tumors (2 photos)
The terrifying diagnosis of "high-grade astrocytoma" is one of the most aggressive forms of brain glioma. Previously, such tumors were often a death sentence, with patients typically surviving for 2.5 to 5 years. Now, people with this diagnosis have a real chance of a long life. 
The vaccine was developed in Germany at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. This peptide vaccine specifically targets the common IDH1 R132H mutation, which is found in many gliomas and acts as a true tumor "driver."
In the phase I clinical trial, 33 patients with newly diagnosed high-grade astrocytomas received the vaccine. It was administered in addition to standard treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy). 
MRI image of diffuse glioma
After up to eight years of follow-up, 66% of participants are still alive. And 42% of them have no signs of disease progression.
This is significantly better than historical data. Patients whose immune systems responded strongly had a particularly good prognosis. Scientists even found these activated immune cells right within the tumor tissue of those who managed to keep the disease under control.
The vaccine "teaches" the immune system to recognize the tumor by its unique weak spot. Unlike personalized vaccines, which are tailored to each individual, this one is standardized. It can be mass-produced and used more widely.
Plus, it's well-tolerated: there are virtually no serious side effects. And additional booster injections (according to new data) can "revive" the immune response even years later.
This is one of the first examples of targeted vaccination against a specific mutation producing such long-term results in brain cancer. Experts call the approach promising and are already planning a Phase 2 randomized, multicenter trial.
Of course, this isn't a panacea yet, and larger trials are needed. But the results of NOA-16 already offer real hope: brain cancer is no longer a hopeless situation. The immune system can defeat it if properly targeted.
