In the modern world, we often hear about the various diseases that affect people. Both communicable and non-communicable diseases have now become a massive problem, spreading among children, youth, and adults alike. This is because the development of the world does not mean only the development of material resources. It also means the development of human life. That is, being healthy itself is interpreted as global development. Accordingly, one of the most serious diseases affecting human life is cancer.
Although various countries have produced vaccines, medicines, and other methods to eradicate cancer at different times, no successful solution has been reported so far. At such a time, Russia achieving the ability to defeat cancer is one of the milestones we have accomplished before the world.
Accordingly, Russia recently announced that it had succeeded in producing a cancer vaccine named “Entromix.” They stated that the vaccine had been tested on humans and had achieved 100% success. Furthermore, researchers have shown that Entromix, an mRNA vaccine, can identify cancer cells and completely eliminate them. It was further mentioned that this vaccine has been developed jointly by the National Medical Radiology Research Center and the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology.
Cancer is a disease condition that arises in the cells of the human body. Since various types of cells exist in the body, different types of cancer cells also emerge. The common characteristic mentioned here is that cancer cells are abnormal and grow without control. Cancer has a long history. Evidence shows that cancer existed in the bones and skin of mummies in ancient Egypt. However, even after examining thousands of mummies, very little information about this disease has been revealed. It is clear that cancer was not very common among ancient people. But today, cancer spreads rapidly across the globe, not confined to a single country or state. Cancer affects people of any country, any race, and any age group, and symptoms of cancer are even seen among animals such as cats, dogs, cattle, and deer, as well as in many plants.
At present, cancer is spreading very rapidly worldwide. It has opened the door to death for many human lives, with nearly 10 million new patients reported annually. It is also reported that more than 6 million people die each year from cancer. While not every lump in the body is cancer, it is crucial to determine this through medical examination. In indigenous medicine, cancer is identified as lumps, swellings, bone tumors, or incurable ulcers. Cancer cells develop from the normal cells of our body. In the nuclei of our cells are specific genetic parts called chromosomes, made up of DNA. When cells divide, the DNA duplicates and divides into two. Due to causes leading to cancer, normal DNA becomes mutated, and those genes transform into cancer genes. Unnecessary cell division is the primary cause of cancer. It must also be noted that personal lifestyle factors in some way influence the occurrence of this disease.
Accordingly, heavy tobacco use, excessive drug use, occupational causes such as exposure to sawdust or dyes, environmental pollution, dietary changes such as instant or artificial foods, effects of medicines, chronic infections, and immune deficiencies are all main factors that contribute to cancer. Many types of cancers have now been identified, of which carcinomas, sarcomas, and leukemia are some of the main categories.
Veronika Kvototsova, head of the Biological Agency in Russia, stated that the cancer vaccine developed in Russia has now been confirmed as safe and effective through full clinical trials. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, she further stated that official approval for public use is now pending. The Entromix cancer vaccine has been developed using the same mRNA technology used for the COVID-19 vaccine.
This vaccine works by training the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Initial clinical trials have shown remarkable fighting ability against cancer cells. In those studies, the number of cancer cells was reduced by 60% to 80%, and cancer growth was slowed down. Moreover, unlike chemotherapy or radiation therapy, no severe side effects were reported from this vaccine. It has been primarily targeted at colon cancer, while vaccines for glioblastoma and melanoma are also being developed. The vaccine has successfully completed preclinical studies, and even with repeated administration, its safety has been largely confirmed.
However, it was also mentioned that although these preliminary results are highly promising, caution is necessary since long-term data is not yet available. The claim of 100% success is based on full preclinical studies and initial human trials. Nevertheless, larger second- and third-phase clinical trials are still required to confirm its effectiveness across broader patient groups. This vaccine has been developed on the basis of a combination of four non-pathogenic viruses. It activates the patient’s immune system to destroy cancer cells or slow down their growth. Furthermore, this type of personalized mRNA vaccine can be designed according to each patient’s specific cancer mutation profile, thereby directing the immune system precisely against their cancer cells.
As a world, isn’t this the true form of development we should aim for? Solutions must be sought for the needs of the people and for their suffering. That is what true national development means. The progress of the world must be based on the health and safety of its people. Human needs must be fulfilled through discoveries such as this. In the modern world, we have conquered many challenges together. Likewise, we must unite to overcome the greatest and most terrible tragedies affecting humanity itself, rather than dividing ourselves by borders and states. This will undoubtedly bring not only greater relief to people today but also a safer world for the future.
P.M. Sandali Sathsarani Ratnayaka
