First-ever lung cancer vaccine trials begin in seven countries

The initiation of the first-ever lung cancer vaccine trials across seven countries marks a significant milestone in oncological research and therapeutic development. Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally, with limited effective treatment options available for advanced stages of the disease. Traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often yield suboptimal outcomes and are associated with substantial side effects. The advent of a vaccine specifically targeting lung cancer presents a potentially transformative approach that could enhance immune response against tumor cells, thereby improving patient prognosis.

The trials aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel therapeutic vaccine designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack lung cancer cells. This innovative strategy is predicated on understanding how tumors evade immune detection—a challenge that has historically hindered effective treatment modalities. By harnessing the body’s innate immune response, researchers hope to create an adaptive platform that not only targets existing malignancies but also provides long-term immunity against recurrence. The multinational scope of these trials underscores the collaborative effort within the scientific community to expedite advancements in cancer immunotherapy.

The vaccine, codenamed BNT116, is made by BioNTech using the same mRNA technology that underpinned its highly effective COVID jab.

Doctors say it is far more precisely targeted than chemotherapy so shouldn't have the same collateral damage on healthy cells that causes sometimes overwhelming side effects.

Now experts are testing a new jab that instructs the body to hunt down and kill cancer cells – then prevents them ever coming back. Known as BNT116 and made by BioNTech, the vaccine is designed to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of the disease.

The phase 1 clinical trial, the first human study of BNT116, has launched across 34 research sites in seven countries: the UK, US, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain and Turkey.

Unlike vaccines to protect us from infectious diseases, such as measles, cancer treatment vaccines are for people who already have the illness.

Cancer vaccines help your body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.

Some, like this latest one, are designed based on common markers that tend to occur only on cancer cells. Others are bespoke or tailor-made for an individual's specific tumour.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: "We’re pleased to see that another cancer vaccine trial has opened in the UK, allowing more patients to access cutting-edge therapies.

Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• Gemini converts Google Docs to podcasts
• Jonathan Ross opens up about why he decided to quit alcohol
• Bottling your essence: Meghan Markle and the death of self-help speak