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Cleveland Clinic: First Patient to Receive Breast Cancer Vaccine Shares Health Journey

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1 year ago

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The vaccine targets a lactation protein called α-lactalbumin, which is no longer found after lactation in normal, aging tissues but is present in most triple-negative breast cancers. If breast cancer develops, the vaccine is designed to prompt the immune system to attack the tumor and keep it from growing. (Courtesy: Cleveland Clinic)

#USA, April 17, 2023 – During a typical day at work, Jennifer Davis received an unexpected call that changed her life. A nurse on the other end of the line delivered the news Jennifer had triple-negative breast cancer. The mother of three recalls feeling terrified. She didn’t know how she was going to tell her family. After receiving the diagnosis, Jennifer knew she wanted to take advantage of every treatment option available. Through her driven search for answers, she became the first person to participate in a novel study at Cleveland Clinic for a vaccine that aims to eventually prevent triple-negative breast cancer.

“When I found out I was the first person to receive the vaccine, I was excited. I was thrilled. The trial has given me a lot of hope,” says Jennifer, a registered nurse from Lisbon, Ohio.  

Jennifer’s health journey started in February 2018 when she felt a lump in her breast. She went to a local hospital for follow-up, and her first biopsy showed no evidence of cancer. Months went by, and Jennifer says the lump grew. She listened to her body and continued to get it checked. Jennifer eventually received another biopsy after doctors detected abnormalities during an ultrasound. Her diagnosis was confirmed about one week later, and she sought a second opinion for her treatment.  

“I knew I wanted to go to Cleveland Clinic, so I had my first appointment there shortly after. I met my entire care team within my first few appointments and had a complete treatment plan. I was very happy with my team and was anxious to get started,” says Jennifer.  

As part of the plan, she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She also had a double mastectomy performed by breast surgeon Zahraa AlHilli, MD.  

“After the double mastectomy, I was adamant while in recovery about wanting to know what they found and whether the cancer had spread. Dr. AlHilli was able to get clear margins, and there were no signs the cancer had spread anywhere else,” says Jennifer.  

After undergoing treatment, it was during her follow-up appointments with breast medical oncologist Megan Kruse, MD, she learned about the breast cancer vaccine clinical trial.  

The vaccine is based on pre-clinical research led by the late Vincent Tuohy, PhD, who was the Mort and Iris November Distinguished Chair in Innovative Breast Cancer Research at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute. The vaccine targets a lactation protein called α-lactalbumin, which is no longer found after lactation in normal, aging tissues but is present in most triple-negative breast cancers. If breast cancer develops, the vaccine is designed to prompt the immune system to attack the tumor and keep it from growing.  

Research nurse coordinator Donna Lach administers the third dose of the breast cancer vaccine to Jennifer. (Courtesy: Cleveland Clinic)

“Triple-negative breast cancer is the form of the disease for which we have the least effective treatments,” said G. Thomas Budd, MD, breast medical oncologist and principal investigator for the breast cancer vaccine trial. “Long term, we are hoping this can be a true preventive vaccine that would be administered to cancer-free individuals to prevent them from developing this highly aggressive disease.”  

Jennifer is involved in phase 1a of the study, which includes patients who completed treatment for early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer within the past three years and are currently tumor-free but at high risk for recurrence.  

“There is no medication I take to make sure there’s not a recurrence,” says Jennifer. “With every ache and pain, your mind goes to the worst-case scenario. So, I was very excited when I heard about the vaccine.”  

In October 2021, Jennifer became the first patient to enroll in the trial and receive the first dose of the vaccine. “I didn’t think twice about getting the vaccine and haven’t looked back since.”  

Dr. Kruse says, “For a long time with triple-negative breast cancer, the overarching theme patients talked about is how they’re going through all this treatment but still feeling like they’re destined to have the cancer return. I think having the hope of this vaccine study where we can potentially turn that around and have some optimism as we approach the future for these patients is the best part.”  

Over the course of the study, Jennifer and other participants received three doses of the vaccine. The vaccinations were each given two weeks apart, and the participants were closely monitored for side effects and immune response. She received her last dose in November 2021 and has not noted any major side effects.  

“My husband went with me for the first vaccine. Then my mom went with me for the second and third,” says Jennifer. “I don’t know if I ever went to an appointment at Cleveland Clinic by myself, and that support has meant a lot to me.”  

Jennifer is hopeful about the vaccine trial and encourages others to stay positive amid the ongoing research. (Courtesy: Cleveland Clinic)

In February 2023, Cleveland Clinic researchers launched the next step in their study of the vaccine. The phase 1b clinical trial, conducted in partnership with Anixa Biosciences, Inc., focuses on individuals who are cancer-free, at high risk for developing breast cancer and have decided to voluntarily undergo a prophylactic mastectomy to lower their risk.  

Meanwhile, Jennifer, now 46 years old, continues to follow up with Dr. Kruse as she nears her fifth year of being in remission. Although it will take years to fully understand the vaccine’s effectiveness, she’s eager for what’s to come and hopes her story can help others diagnosed with breast cancer.  

“Even though you’re going to have days where you’re not positive, where you feel terrible – keep moving forward. If the vaccine works the way they want, it could prevent triple-negative breast cancer one day,” says Jennifer.  

Editor’s note: Dr. Tuohy was inventor of the technology, which Cleveland Clinic exclusively licensed to Anixa Biosciences. He was entitled to a portion of the commercialization revenues received by Cleveland Clinic and also held equity in the company.

Related Institutes: Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center

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Caribbean News

CARPHA Provides Technical Support for Malaria Intervention in Turks and Caicos Islands

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1 week ago

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July 19, 2024

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 17 July 2024: The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) recently concluded a successful mission from 8 – 12 July 2024 to provide critical technical support for malaria intervention in the Turks and Caicos Islands following an imported malaria case identified in May 2024. This visit underscores CARPHA’s commitment to enhancing public health measures and ensuring effective response to vector-borne diseases in the region.

The CARPHA team, comprised of esteemed experts, included:

  • Horace Cox, Acting Director Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at CARPHA
  • Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer, Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance, Disease Prevention, and Control
  • Jenna Indarsingh, CariVecNet Coordination Officer, Vector-Borne Disease Unit

The primary objectives of this intervention were multifaceted, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of malaria control and prevention:

  1. Theoretical Sessions: Delivered comprehensive training on malaria epidemiology, vector biology, and bionomics to enhance the knowledge base of local health professionals.
  2. Field Activities: Conducted extensive fieldwork investigating mosquito breeding sites to detect any potential vectors of malaria parasites and discussed effective vector control measures to mitigate the spread of malaria.
  3. Surveillance and Response Review: Supported the review and enhancement of the existing malaria surveillance and response plan, including optimising reporting tools.
  4. Diagnosis and Treatment Services: Evaluated access to and quality of malaria diagnosis and treatment services, incorporating quality assurance components to ensure the highest standards of care.
  5. Action Plan Development: Assisted in the formulation of action plans aimed at resource mobilisation and community engagement activities to foster a comprehensive and sustainable malaria control strategy.

This collaborative effort between CARPHA and the Ministry of Health and Hunan Services of the Turks and Caicos Islands saw the CARPHA team working closely with the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU), the National Public Health Laboratory, and the Vector Control Unit. The joint initiative aimed to strengthen local capacities and fortify the overall public health response framework against malaria.

Dr. Horace Cox, Acting Director Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at CARPHA, stated, “Our visit highlights the importance of regional cooperation and technical support in combating vector-borne diseases. By working closely with local health authorities, we aim to enhance their capabilities in malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ensuring better health outcomes for the community.”

Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer within the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services, commented on the collaboration: “We are grateful for the support provided by CARPHA. This intervention has significantly bolstered our efforts to prevent and control malaria in our islands. The expertise and resources brought in by the CARPHA team have been invaluable in strengthening our public health framework and ensuring our community is well-protected against malaria.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the public against vector-borne diseases. Through continued collaboration with regional partners like CARPHA, the Ministry is committed to maintaining robust health systems and protecting the well-being of all residents.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://m.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

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Caribbean News

CARPHA Calls on Member States to Take Action to Reduce the Spread of Mosquito Borne Diseases

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3 weeks ago

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July 5, 2024

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Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.  5 July 2024.   Mosquito borne diseases continue to pose a serious public health threat to the Caribbean Region.  The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has increased reports of Dengue outbreaks with hospitalisations and deaths in some instances, and recently confirmed cases of Zika, and Chikungunya at its Medical Microbiology Laboratory.

These mosquito-borne diseases can have a major impact on our way of life and our vital tourist industry on which most of our islands depend.

“The Region of the Americas has seen a two-hundred-fold increase in suspected Dengue cases in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.  Member States are encouraged to remain vigilant. It is crucial that surveillance, prevention and control measures are boosted to reduce the transmission of arboviruses in the Caribbean,” stated Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director at CARPHA.

Dengue is known to cause outbreaks every three to five years.  The Region has seen outbreaks of Chikungunya and Zika virus infections that challenged public health systems in virtually every country in our Region.

Dr. Horace Cox, Assistant Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, and Head Vector Borne Diseases at CARPHA: “These viral infections are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito – a vector known to be endemic to the Region.  With the start of the hurricane season CARPHA is urging its Member States to strengthen integrated vector management strategies in their communities.  These include the elimination of mosquito breeding sites with the aim of reducing the number of mosquito larvae.”

To counter the increase in mosquitoes and potential disease transmission, greater effort should be placed on mosquito control activities in communities, and these should be intensified. CARPHA urges its Member States to review their preparedness and response plans, as well as to continue surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely care of arboviral disease cases, to prevent complications leading to hospitalisation and deaths.

Mr. Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer for Vector-Borne Diseases at CARPHA stated “Community involvement is essential in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. A proactive approach can help to reduce risk and keep communities safe.”

  • Check and remove standing water from around your home.  Ensure your surroundings are clean and free of materials or containers that can accumulate water around your homes and communities.
  • Use of wire-mesh/screens on doors and windows also help in reducing the entry of mosquitoes into homes.
  • Water storage drums and tanks must be properly covered and inspected periodically to ensure that there is no breeding. Roof gutters should also be cleaned to prevent water from pooling.

The mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. Personal preventative measures to minimise mosquito bites are also extremely important. Vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, older adults, and women who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, must be extra cautious. Long-sleeved clothing and repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus, should be used to protect exposed skin, and must be used in accordance with the instructions on the product label. Confirmed cases of mosquito borne diseases should rest under mosquito nets.

CARPHA remains committed to supporting CARPHA Member States (CMS) in their vector control efforts, including capacity building in integrated vector control strategies.  CMS must continue to strengthen prevention and control measures such as surveillance, diagnosis, as well as timely and adequate treatment of cases, while ensuring that health care services are prepared to facilitate access and proper management of patients with these diseases.

CARPHA has produced campaigns to raise awareness, promote effective prevention, and control measures for mosquito borne diseases.  Information about mosquito borne diseases can be found here:

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Caribbean News

From Awareness to Action: Public Health Matters

Published

3 weeks ago

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July 5, 2024

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July 5, 2024

 

Caribbean Public Health Day (CPHD) is celebrated annually on July 2nd to raise awareness about public health’s vital role in the lives of Caribbean people, and to highlight the work of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). This day coincides with the anniversary of CARPHA, the region’s sole public health agency, legally established in July 2011 and operationalized in 2013 following the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement by CARICOM Heads of Government.

This year’s CPHD theme, “From Awareness to Action: Public Health Matters,” brings to light the many daily activities that are influenced by multi-sectoral public health interventions. It also calls for individual actions to support public health efforts as we all contribute to the sustenance and development of Healthy People, Healthy Spaces and a Healthy Caribbean. By participating in local health initiatives, advocating for safe environments, and practicing and promoting healthful behaviours, we can all be champions of public health.

“Public health is more than preventing diseases; it’s a holistic approach to improving the health of people and their communities, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, our lifestyle behaviours and the environment we live in,” said Dr Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director at CARPHA when asked for comment.

Dr Mark Sami, Director of Corporate Services at CARPHA, added, “This day allows us to reflect on public health’s broader meaning. It is a right for every Caribbean citizen, and CARPHA is dedicated to being the region’s strongest advocate for healthful practices at all levels of society.”

CARPHA advances regional health under the principle that the health of the region is the wealth of the region. By promoting overall health, providing strategic direction and responding to public health priorities, implementing frameworks for disease prevention and control, supporting Member States response to health emergencies and supporting the objectives of the Caribbean Cooperation in Health (CCH), the Agency stands at the forefront of regional development.

We invite everyone to learn more about CARPHA’s role in public health and how individual actions can contribute to a healthier and safer Caribbean. Visit www.carpha.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn for more information.

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