by Patricia Pihl, Star Staff Writer

Roswell Park Cancer Institute recently announced a promising vaccine which according to hospital officials, has the potential to “eradicate cancer cells and prevent disease relapse.” The new NY-ESO-1 dendritic cell vaccine is expected to show great promise in patients with bladder, brain, breast, esophageal, gastrointestinal, hepatocellular, kidney, lung, melanoma, ovarian, prostate, sarcoma and uterine tumors.

To those who have experienced cancer and their families, the news produced a sigh of relief and cause for optimism. However, with the many and often times conflicting health messages, the public is often left with more questions than answers. For one, Is this the breakthrough everyone has been waiting for with the effect to save lives now and in the future? 

For years, people have wished for a “cure” only to find out that cancer is too complex for any one treatment. In the 1980s, interferon, a immunity enhancing substance was touted as a cancer fighter with promise. There hasn’t been, to my knowledge, much said about it since.

The NY-ESO-1 may be different, however. First, it works against a variety of cancers-even the hard to treat brain cancers. The vaccine is purported not only to treat, but also to will help prevent relapse of cancers. It is also the first time the vaccine will be tested in a hospital setting rather than in a medical lab.

In addition, the vaccine will also be produced in Buffalo, and promises  to have an ecomonic impact to the area as well as bringing greater recognition to the accomplishments of Roswell Park. 

For more information on this vaccine, visit www.roswellpark.org. Cancer patients can also contact Roswell Park at 1-877-275-7724 or email questions to askrpci@roswellpark.org.