Projects

Lynch Syndrome (LS) is one of the most prevalent hereditary cancer syndromes with a high-risk for developing several types of cancer such as gastrointestinal (primarily of the colon) and gynecological cancers (endometrial and ovarian) at a younger than average age. Cancer risk is managed through surveillance and surgery, but patients could continue to develop cancers and effective preventive, and early detection measures are needed to reduce cancer incidence in this high-risk cohort. Cancer prevention by promoting immunity is an attractive strategy. Vaccines that target proteins expressed by cancer cells can be used to help the immune system recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Previous studies by the Vilar-Sanchez group have identified multiple cancer-associated mutant proteins (called neoantigens) that are present in colorectal pre-cancers and tumors of LS carriers. In this project, they will explore vaccine strategies targeting these shared neoantigens in in-vitro and animal models. They will also develop potential predictive biomarkers for early detection of cancer in LS carriers. The success of this project can pave the way to the development of safe and effective cancer vaccines that can be given to LS patients in a prevention setting to reduce the incidence of cancer.