All You Need to Know About the Lung Cancer Vaccine CimaVax-EGF

CimaVax-EGF is a vaccine for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or NSCLC, developed entirely by the nation Cuba. A result of over 25 years of endeavor, the drug is administered for free to NSCLC patients throughout Cuba now, although it costs about $1 per shot on the part of the government.

Let us understand what the drug is about – how it works, its trials and side effects, and what to expect in future.

How does CimaVax-EGF work?

The human body naturally produces the protein called Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF. However, in case of those suffering from NSCLC, the body produces unnecessarily high amounts of EGF. And CimaVax-EGF takes advantage of that to show its power. It works by mimicking the body’s immune response to trick the body into producing more antibiotics than it usually does.

CimaVax-EGF trials

The drug or vaccine has undergone two trials till this point – Phase I and Phase II, both in Cuba. Now, a third trial, Phase III, is going on in Cuba. In the coming days, it is expected that Japan, United States and some European countries will soon start conducting trials for the same, as well.

Does CimaVax-EGF help at all?

The good news is that CimaVax-EGF actually helps patients live a bit longer lives. It has been observed during the trials that the vaccine lengthens the lives of NSCLC patients by about 4 to 6 months. Although that does not seem too significant, still that is positive result.

CimaVax-EGF side effects

CimaVax-EGF is not known to cause any severe side-effects on the people who take its shots. However, minor side effects, like nausea, fever, headache and chills, have been associated with the drug.

Where to get it?

At present, the tumor-inhibiting vaccine is available only in Cuba. However, some recent developments that have taken place between Cuba and other countries indicate that soon the drug will be available in a number of other countries, as well. Cuba especially has plans for distributing the drug to developing and under-developed nations, where there is an intense need for affordable yet useful vaccines. (more…)