Designing vaccines to combat cancer – an Indigenous approach

Abstract

Abstract Pacific Peoples living in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Pacific Region remain disproportionately affected by some cancers, with the growing burden of cancer globally remaining a significant health concern. Immunotherapy based therapeutic approaches hold some potential towards addressing inequitable cancer outcomes, treatment and management efforts for vulnerable communities, but requires appropriate inclusion and engagement with Pacific communities as part of the research process, consultation and understanding of the cultural context and clinical setting for vulnerable communities. This work sought to apply the use of an Indigenous Pacific framework to promote and support the potential applicability of immunotherapy based cancer research work within vulnerable communities adversely impacted by inequitable cancer outcomes. The Indigenous Pacific Kakala research framework was applied within this setting and supported engagement and research translation efforts and dissemination for researchers and Pacific communities in Aotearoa/New Zealand that was applicable, respectful, meaningful and appropriate to the cultural context for Pacific Peoples. This work highlights the importance of incorporating Indigenous frameworks to support Immunology based research work that is relevant, applicable and also appropriate within cultural settings.