India To Launch Cancer Vaccine For Women In 5-6 Months: Minister Prataprao Jadhav
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 20th February 2025: Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, and Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, announced on Tuesday that a vaccine designed to combat breast, oral, and cervical cancers in women will be introduced in India within the next five to six months. Addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, he stated that girls aged 9 to 16 would be eligible to receive the vaccine once it is available.
Jadhav revealed that research on the vaccine is in its final phase, with clinical trials currently underway. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle the growing number of cancer cases in the country.
“A vaccine to prevent cancers affecting women will be accessible within five to six months, with eligibility for girls aged 9 to 16,” he stated.
To strengthen cancer prevention and early detection, the government has introduced several measures, including mandatory screenings for women over the age of 30 in hospitals. Additionally, specialized daycare cancer centres will be set up to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
“The increasing number of cancer patients in India has prompted the central government to take decisive action. Women over 30 will undergo mandatory screenings in hospitals, and daycare cancer centres will be established to aid in early detection,” Jadhav explained.
Meanwhile, in December 2024, Russia announced the development of an mRNA-based cancer vaccine aimed at treating patients rather than preventing tumour formation. According to state-run media, this breakthrough vaccine will be made available to Russian citizens free of cost starting in early 2025.
The state will cover approximately 300,000 rubles (USD 2,869) per dose for the personalized vaccine, which is developed using genetic material from the patient’s tumour. Andrey Kaprin, head of the Ministry of Health’s Radiology Medical Research Centre, stated, “The purpose of this vaccine is to treat existing cancer cases, not to prevent tumour growth.”
The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It identifies unique proteins, or antigens, present on the surface of cancer cells, prompting the immune system to generate antibodies that target and destroy them.
The Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology detailed the intricate process involved in creating the vaccine. According to Alexander Gintsburg, in an interview with TASS, personalized vaccines currently take time to develop due to complex mathematical calculations. However, the Ivannikov Institute has been enlisted to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and neural network computing to streamline these processes, reducing the required time to around 30 to 60 minutes.
As part of efforts to improve access to cancer treatment, India has waived customs duties on cancer medications.
Addressing queries about Ayush healthcare facilities, Jadhav clarified that existing hospitals already house Ayush departments, allowing the public to avail of these services. The country currently has 12,500 healthcare facilities, with plans underway to expand this number to enhance accessibility.
