Nucleic Acid‐Based Vaccines in Ovarian Cancer: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects in Transforming the Immunotherapeutic Armamentarium

ABSTRACT

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a formidable adversary, often diagnosed at advanced stages with limited treatment options. This review article delves into the innovative and promising field of nucleic acid‐based vaccines, which have ushered in a new era in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of OC. These vaccines, utilizing both DNA and RNA platforms, offer a unique approach to harness the power of the immune system in targeting OC cells. Our exploration begins with a comprehensive overview of OC, emphasizing its heterogeneous nature and the pressing need for more effective therapies. We then elucidate the fundamental principles of immunotherapy and the role of the immune system in combating OC, setting the stage for the introduction of nucleic acid‐based vaccines. The review delves into the mechanisms and design principles behind nucleic acid vaccines, highlighting their potential to trigger robust and specific immune responses. A critical examination of preclinical studies and clinical trials showcases the promising results achieved with these vaccines, offering hope to OC patients. Challenges, such as delivery and combination therapies, are discussed, alongside insights into the patient experience and quality of life improvements. Regulatory approvals and market dynamics are analyzed, revealing the evolving landscape of OC immunotherapy. We conclude with a discussion of the transformative impact of nucleic acid‐based vaccines in this field and the potential for a brighter future in the battle against OC. Thus, the potential of nucleic acid‐based vaccines offers optimism in the continuous effort to improve OC patients’ prognosis and quality of life.