Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Unit, under the supervision of Lecturer Dr. Shaymaa Abdulzahra Abbas, organized the discussion session titled “Cancer Vaccines” presented by the students of the Pharmacine Search Club. The discussion session aimed to introduce the concept of vaccines in general, explain how they work, and present the latest updates and studies on both therapeutic and preventive cancer vaccines. The session began with a question posed to the attendees: “Are there vaccines for cancer? If they exist, are they given to the patient before or after diagnosis?” Through the students’ interaction with the question, the difference between preventive and therapeutic vaccines was clarified, with examples provided for each type. The discussion also covered the mechanisms of cancer vaccines and their role in boosting the immune system, emphasized the results of two recent studies on the development of new cancer vaccines. Next, details about the Russian anti-cancer vaccine were shared, explaining how it works and its mechanism for combating cancer cells. An example of an Iraqi study that used a weakened measles vaccine for breast cancer treatment was also presented, with a detailed explanation of how it works and its potential effects. At the end of the session, the goals were reviewed, and recommendations were provided based on the information and research presented.
