Thousands of NHS cancer patients in England will soon have access to trials of new mRNA-based cancer vaccines through the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, with 30 hospitals participating so far. These vaccines, similar to Covid mRNA vaccines, are designed to train the immune system to detect and eliminate cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Elliot Pfebve, a 55-year-old bowel cancer patient, is the first in England to receive a personalized vaccine following surgery and chemotherapy. This treatment, developed by BioNTech and Genentech, uses mRNA technology to create a vaccine based on the specific mutations in his cancer cells, aiming to help his immune system target any remaining cancer.
Dr. Victoria Kunene from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham expresses optimism about this innovative approach, hoping it will become a standard treatment. Over 200 patients across several countries will participate in the trial, receiving up to 15 doses of the vaccine, with the study expected to conclude in 2027.
Early reports suggest fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy. NHS leaders see this as a significant advancement in cancer treatment, with ongoing trials for other cancers like melanoma, lung, head and neck, and bladder cancers. Common symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, and individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult a GP.