Immunologically cold tumors pose challenges for effective cancer treatment due to low immune infiltration. Therapeutic cancer vaccines, which deliver high-quality tumor-specific antigens, are being investigated in various clinical contexts to boost immune responses and improve patient outcomes. Despite the potential, challenges in antigen selection, vaccine formulation, and optimal clinical applications persist. Combining vaccines with immune modulators such as checkpoint inhibitors may enhance efficacy, providing new avenues for addressing hard-to-treat cancers.
Review by Blair AB, Zheng L and Soares KC in Ann Surg Oncol
© 2025. The Author(s).