Which type of cancer vaccine is aimed at preventing cancer before it starts?

Prophylactic vaccines are designed to prevent cancer from developing in individuals who have not yet been diagnosed with the disease. These vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells before they can form tumors. They can target specific viral infections known to be associated with certain cancers, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer by immunizing against a virus that can lead to the disease.

Therapeutic vaccines, in contrast, are intended for individuals already diagnosed with cancer, aiming to treat the cancer by enhancing the body's immune response against existing tumor cells. Targeted vaccines and diagnostic vaccines do not fall within the scope of cancer prevention; targeted vaccines likely refer to vaccines designed for specific cancer types, while diagnostic vaccines are typically used to aid in diagnosing cancer rather than preventing it.

Understanding the role of prophylactic vaccines is crucial, as they symbolize a preventive approach in oncology, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in reducing cancer incidence.