Abstract

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality globally, prompting ongoing research into innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these, breast cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising approach to both prevent the onset of the disease and treat existing cases by harnessing the body’s immune response. This review examines the two main categories of breast cancer vaccines: preventive vaccines designed to stop cancer in high-risk individuals and therapeutic vaccines aimed at enhancing the immune system's ability to target and destroy tumor cells in patients already diagnosed with breast cancer. We discuss the mechanisms of action, including the role of specific antigens and dendritic cell-based therapies, and highlight key clinical trials that demonstrate the potential effectiveness of these vaccines. Despite significant challenges, including immune evasion by cancer cells and the complexity of individual patient responses, advancements in personalized medicine and biomarker identification offer hope for improved outcomes. As research continues to evolve, breast cancer vaccines may play a crucial role in transforming the landscape of breast cancer prevention and treatment, ultimately paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic options.