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In cancer patients, the immune system is unable to recognize cancer cells as foreign and destroy them. For this reason, current treatments in cancer – including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – often lead to tumour regression and do not effectively treat the disease. Vaccines are designed to boost the body’s natural ability to protect itself through the immune system, and would provide a more effective cancer treatment solution. Dr. Azita Haddadi is investigating two challenges that stand in the way of developing a cancer vaccine.

The first challenge is to develop a vaccine that will educate the immune system to recognize cancer cells as foreign and compel the immune cells to eradicate the cancer cells. The second challenge is to create a nano-sized delivery system that selectively targets immune cells. Dr. Haddadi plans to develop polymeric nanoparticles that will specifically target immune cells and influence the immune system to recognize the cancer cells as foreign and destroy them.

Dr. Haddadi’s research will lead to the evaluation of an optimized vaccine to investigate whether it will effectively eradicate a cancer tumour. She believes her findings will provide the basis for clinical trials in cancer patients, thereby contributing to a healthier Saskatchewan.

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