An epidemiological analysis of cancer vaccines

Abstract

Abstract The logistic and epidemiological problems associated with the development of an effective virus vaccine for cancer are discussed. It is shown that if human tumours are caused by viruses with short latent periods, it will be possible to test the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine without following up unrealistically large control and experimental groups. On the other hand, if the viruses concerned are non‐specific, and only a small proportion of the infected population develops cancer after a long and varied latent period, it will be very difficult to test the effectiveness of such vaccines in present society. This is due to the large number of individuals who would have to be followed up for prolonged periods.