British News Agency

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Burak Uzel explained the developments related to the “cancer prevention vaccine” NOUS-209, which aims to stop cancer development at an early cellular stage and has attracted significant attention in the medical community. This study, offering hope for individuals genetically predisposed to cancer, is regarded as a groundbreaking step in oncology.

Unlike traditional vaccines that target viral infections, NOUS-209 directly targets the process of carcinogenesis and is considered one of the first vaccine candidates aimed at preventing cancers that develop due to genetic mutations. Dr. Uzel emphasized that this approach represents a turning point in medical history.

Noting that most cancer-related vaccines to date have focused on preventing virus-related diseases such as HPV or Hepatitis B, Uzel stated that NOUS-209 aims to directly block the pathway to cancer in individuals with genetic susceptibility. Dr. Uzel said: “For the first time, the goal is to create an immune response against the cancerization process arising from genetic damage in the body’s own cells. In the future, we are moving toward a healthcare system where such vaccines can be applied as widely as flu vaccines.”

It was reported that the studies focus particularly on Lynch syndrome, a hereditary genetic condition that places individuals at high risk for several types of cancer, especially colorectal and uterine cancer.

According to information shared from clinical studies, the vaccine contains approximately 209 different antigens that mimic the changes observed in cancer cells. The vaccination schedule, consisting of two doses administered two months apart, aims to eliminate cells with “microsatellite instability” (MSI) before cancer development begins. In this respect, NOUS-209 offers a proactive approach focused on preventing cancer rather than treating it.

Emphasizing the importance of the concept of “primary prevention” beyond early diagnosis, Dr. Burak Uzel stated that individuals with a family history of early-onset colorectal or uterine cancer should become more aware of Lynch syndrome.

Dr. Burak Uzel works as an Internal Medicine Specialist at Ataköy Medicana Hospital and also serves as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Virasoft, which conducts work in digital pathology and artificial intelligence. Dr. Uzel aims to increase public health awareness by sharing current medical developments through digital platforms.