Editing Cancer vaccine (section)

== Desirable characteristics ==
Cancer vaccines seek to target a tumor-specific [[antigen]] as distinct from self-proteins. Selection of the appropriate [[immunologic adjuvant|adjuvant]] to activate antigen-presenting cells to stimulate immune responses, is required. [[Bacillus Calmette-Guérin]], an aluminum-based salt, and a squalene-oil-water emulsion are approved for clinical use. An effective vaccine should also stimulate long term immune memory to prevent tumor recurrence. Some scientists claim both the [[Innate immune system|innate]] and [[adaptive immune system]]s must be activated to achieve total tumor elimination.<ref name="Pejawar-Gaddy S 2008">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pejawar-Gaddy S, Finn OJ | title = Cancer vaccines: accomplishments and challenges | journal = Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology | volume = 67 | issue = 2 | pages = 93–102 | date = August 2008 | pmid = 18400507 | doi = 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2008.02.010 }}</ref>