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Doctors have launched the first clinical trial of an mRNA vaccine designed to treat lung cancer, a groundbreaking step that could significantly impact survival rates.
As The Guardian reports, the vaccine, BNT116, developed by BioNTech, targets non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent form of the disease.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, responsible for approximately 1.8 million deaths annually. The vaccine aims to enhance the body's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells while preventing recurrence.
The Phase 1 trial, which marks the initial human testing of BNT116, is being conducted at 34 sites across seven countries: the UK, US, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, and Turkey. In the UK, six sites have been established, with the first patient receiving the vaccine on Tuesday.
About 130 patients, including 20 from the UK, will participate, spanning various stages of the disease, from early to late-stage cancer. The vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, akin to Covid-19 vaccines, to train the immune system to target cancer cells displaying specific tumor markers.
Prof. Siow Ming Lee from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, leading the UK trial, emphasized the significance of mRNA technology in advancing cancer treatment. "This technology represents a new frontier in cancer therapy, offering a targeted approach that could enhance survival rates," he said.
The first UK participant, 67-year-old Janusz Racz, a London-based AI scientist, expressed hope that the vaccine could eliminate his cancer and pave the way for wider adoption. "Participating in this trial is a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could benefit many," Racz noted.
The vaccine regimen includes six injections over 30 minutes, followed by weekly doses for six weeks and then every three weeks for a year. Prof. Lee hopes this treatment will reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence, improving outcomes for patients.
Science Minister Lord Vallance lauded the trial's potential, stating, "This innovative approach could save thousands of lives each year. We support our researchers in developing therapies that push the boundaries of current treatment."
The trial is part of a broader initiative to fast-track cancer vaccine research, with the aim of revolutionizing treatment and improving patient survival.
[Information sourced from The Guardian]
