Human cancer virus vaccines and the pursuit of the practical

Present evidence indicates that cancer of man, like cancer of animals, may be of infectious nature, and that viruses may be involved as indispensable elements. Even before proved human cancer viruses are found, vaccine development has begun with the intent of limiting viral events that lead to cancer and enhancing immunologic events that lead to elimination or destruction of cancer cells. Presently, vaccine development includes DNA and RNA viruses using human candidate cancer viruses and animal cancer viruses in animal models. Primary emphasis is being given to killed and subunit type vaccines because of inherently greater safety and because of practical necessity in the contemporary political‐scientific environment that regulates tests of vaccines in human beings.