Lung cancer continues to be a threat to individuals worldwide. Regarded as one of the deadliest forms of cancer, experts from Cuba and the United States are teaming up to explore and improve the so-called Cuban vaccine for lung cancer.
The partnership between Roswell Park researchers and Havana's Center for Molecular Immunology managed to create a hope against lung cancer. With the current vaccine being perfected, experts believe that the recurrence of lung cancer may be prevented.
The Cuban lung cancer vaccine is unique from other cancer treatment because of its mechanism. Unlike other treatment or immunotherapies that attack cancer cell directly, the said vaccine instead generate an immune response against EGF, a necessary factor for cancer growth.
"By generating that immune response, it neutralizes the circulating [epidermal growth factor or EGF], starves the cancer and the cancer stops growing," Miami Herald quoted Dr. Kelvin Lee of Roswell's Department of Immunology as saying.
Apart from the known benefits and function against lung cancer, some experts also see other promising use of the said vaccine. Such medical breakthrough could be useful against other cancer like colon, head and neck cancers, which also rely on EGF to grow.
"There's a hint, a hope here that we might be able to develop a vaccine for these other cancers," said Dr. Igor Puzanov, director of the clinical trial program and Roswell's chief of melanoma.
Apart from utilizing the vaccine to prevent cancer proliferation or even recurrence, other complementary approach are also being advised. The best way to prevent lung cancer naturally is by diet and exercise, according to Very Well.
Many studies show that increasing fruit and vegetable intake will help prevent cancer, such as lung cancer. Apart from that, Green tea consumption has also been tested to have such benefit.
In a 2009 research, it was found out the regular intake of green tea may reduce the risk of lung cancer. It is said as such for tea contains a lot of antioxidants.
Watch here below other ways to prevent lung cancer: