Cancer vaccines.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of cancer vaccines, how they work, and the current state of the science underlying these treatments.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, book chapters, personal communications.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccines have been studied in a variety of malignancies; however, melanoma has provided the best tumor model for vaccination. Clinical trials continue to investigate the optimal vaccine, route, and immunization schedule.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses must grasp a widening array of therapeutic options for cancer patients. The educational needs of the patient will be better met through a thorough understanding of basic concepts of newer cancer therapies.
Muehlbauer
Paula M
PM
Clinical Center Nursing Department, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg 10/Room 7D50/MSC 1664, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Schwartzentruber
Douglas J
DJ
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000451:nursing*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D019139:Tumor Escape / Q000276:immunology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines