The world’s first skin cancer vaccine is being tested. This also includes the first patient from Britain. Ongoing testing of the vaccine focuses on preventing recurrence of skin cancer. The mRNA-based technique is for people whose most serious form of cancer, melanoma, has already been removed. This technology is similar to that used in some anti-Covid vaccines. In the trial, doctors at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) are using the vaccine in combination with another drug, pembrolizumab or Keytruda, which helps the immune system kill cancer cells.
British musician Steve Young also participated in the trial
One of the first patients to agree to join the trial is British musician Steve Young, 52, from Hertfordshire, eastern England. He had stage two melanoma cancer which was removed. “I feel fortunate to be a part of this clinical trial,” Young said. Of course, I wasn’t so lucky when I was diagnosed with skin cancer. Actually, it was quite a shock, but now that I have been treated, I am sure it will not happen again. This is my best chance to stop cancer at its source.”
Positive effect of vaccine in initial trials
The vaccine is being developed by Moderna and MSD and can be administered to patients within a few weeks. Early trials showed a significant reduction in melanoma recurrence. The vaccine works by instructing the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The vaccine, which is undergoing late-stage trials under the supervision of USLH, is also likely to prove effective against lung, bladder and kidney cancer. Researchers are now hoping that an ongoing Phase 3 study at multiple sites in the UK will confirm the findings of the previous trial. The Phase 3 trial will enroll approximately 1,089 patients worldwide.
