New Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines Focus on Preventing Recurrence, Not Prevention, Says Kerala State IMA Research Cell Convener at GIOS 2025 Conference

Kochi | The new cancer vaccine is not for the prevention of cancer, rather to prevent reoccurrence says Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin. He was speaking at the inaugural event of the 2nd Annual Conference of The Gastrointestinal Oncology Society (GIOS) being held at Le Meridien Kochi.  

Highlighting the evolution of cancer treatment, including the development of new therapeutic cancer vaccines, Dr. Rajeev clarified the purpose of these new vaccines. "These are therapeutic cancer vaccines designed to prevent recurrence in people who already had cancer, not for the prevention of cancer in healthy people. These are a form of immunotherapy, specifically individualized neoantigen therapy, which trains the body's own immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Dr. Jayadevan also addressed the modern challenge of ‘information overload and underthinking’.

The three-day conference focuses on colorectal cancers (CRC), a disease with a growing global incidence. Emphasizing personalized medicine, Dr. Arun R. Warrier, Organizing Secretary of the GIOS 2025 Annual Conference and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Aster Medcity, Kochi, added, "Cancer treatment is rapidly changing, and what we have to do for patients is make it personalized for each individual,".  

The conference brings together 200+ oncologists, gastroenterologists, and other medical professionals to discuss the latest advancements in prevention, screening, and treatment. The program includes workshops on the surgical, radiation, and genomic aspects of CRC. A highlight will be a special session on non-operative management, featuring renowned national and international faculty.

In a related event, a "Lifestyle and Awareness Activity" will take place tomorrow in association with Rotary Cochin Downtown, Aster Medcity, and Ostom, a Cochin-based Ostomy Support Group. The event will feature a Zumba session, followed by sessions on wellness, healthy diet, and the quality of life in cancer. The session will include participation from patients, stoma support groups, and caregivers.  

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin, Dr. Reena Engineer,  Vice-President, GIOS, Dr. Rahul Krishnatry, Secretary, GIOS, Dr. Arun R. Warrier, Organising Secretary, GIOS 2025 and  Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology  at Aster Medcity, Cochin, Dr. Arun Lal, Chair, Scientific Committee-GIOS 2025 and Radiation Oncologist at Lisie Hospital, Dr. Philip Augustine, Senior Gastroenterologist, Rajagiri Hospital , Dr. Narayanankutty Warrier, Director, MVR Cancer Centre, Dr. C. S. Madhu, AROI - National President Elect, Dr. Prashant Mathur,  Director, ICMR-NCDIR  Spoke during the inaugural event.