Background <p>Peptide-based vaccines composed of well-defined antigenic portions and non-genetic components offer a promising alternative to conventional vaccines. These vaccines have gained significant attention due to their potential application in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in targeting infection-driven and tumor-associated antigens.</p> Methodology <p>This review comprehensively explores antigenic peptide-based vaccines, focusing on cancer-associated targets such as overexpressed proteins including HER2, MUC1, folate receptor, and others. The approaches for peptide design, epitope selection, and formulation strategies are discussed, along with their limitations in clinical applications.</p> Results <p>Despite challenges related to peptide stability and limited immunogenicity, the combination of nanomaterials and adjuvants has significantly enhanced immune response efficiency and targeted delivery. These advancements have enabled epitope peptide vaccines to progress toward advanced clinical stages.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings underscore the potential of peptide-based vaccines not only in cancer prevention but also in treating complex conditions such as drug-resistant and metastatic cancers. This highlights the need for continued research and innovation in peptide vaccine technology to improve therapeutic outcomes.</p>