Title : Evaluating the efficacy of peptide-based vaccines in cancer treatment: A systematic review

Abstract:

Background and Aim:
Peptide-based vaccines have emerged as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, harnessing the immune system to target tumor-associated antigens. However, the efficacy and utility of these vaccines in different types of cancer require comprehensive evaluation. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of peptide-based vaccines on different types of cancer, assessing their efficacy, safety, and potential for integration into existing treatment regimens.

Methods:
A systematic search of electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant studies from 2015 to 2025. The quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool. Moreover, data extraction and synthesis were performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Results:
A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a wide range of cancers including melanoma, breast, prostate and lung cancer. The findings showed that peptide-based vaccines elicited significant immune responses in many cases, with some studies reporting improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival. However, variability in efficacy was observed across cancer types, with melanoma showing the most promising results. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate, mainly consisting of local reactions at the injection site.

Conclusion:
Peptide-based vaccines have shown potential as a valuable addition to cancer treatment strategies, particularly in certain cancer types such as melanoma. Despite the encouraging results, further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to establish standardized protocols and identify optimal patient populations for these vaccines.