Cancer Vaccine Institute News

The first half of 2026 has been an exciting one at the Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI), and we are proud to share the progress we’ve made in our Midyear Review. We have six clinical trials actively recruiting, with four additional studies opening soon. Our faculty and research teams have been recognized through competitive awards, invited presentations, and impactful scientific publications. These achievements highlight the significance of our work and elevate the visibility o

Photo Credits: Lisa Stromme Warren The Cancer Vaccine Institute is proud to celebrate Dr. Nora Disis, CVI Director, on her selection as a 2026 Fellow of the Academy of Immuno-Oncology by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC). This distinction honors scientific leaders whose work has made significant contributions to the field of cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Disis joins a distinguished class of scientific leaders who have made contributions that have shaped cancer immuno

Research from the Cancer Vaccine Institute and others points to a near-term future in which cancer vaccines will play an instrumental role in managing cancer. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. A key part of this response is generating T-cells, immune cells, that specifically recognize cancer proteins and create a cancer-killing immune response. Some T-cells become “memory” T-cells, remaining in the body long

The Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) is advancing the emerging field of cancer research, developing vaccines to intercept cancer before it becomes invasive. We have developed WOKVAC, a DNA-based vaccine designed to target three proteins - HER2, IGFBP-2, and IGF-1R - highly expressed in most Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), a preinvasive form of breast cancer. Although not immediately life-threatening, 20% of DCIS lesions may progress to invasive cancer. Patients diagnosed with

Last week, the halls of the Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) buzzed with conversation, curiosity, and optimism as Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) visited for an inside look at the future of cancer treatment and prevention. Moving through the lab, Congresswoman Jayapal met with CVI researchers, toured the Institute’s laboratory spaces, and learned more about the impact cancer vaccines are having on human health. The CVI team walked Congresswoman Jayapal through how our wor