Revolutionary new cancer vaccine gets fast-track access in England, offering hope to patients with advanced skin melanoma.
The NHS has announced that patients with advanced skin melanoma will be given fast-track access to a revolutionary new cancer vaccine as part of an ongoing trial. The vaccine, known as iSCIB1+ (ImmunoBody), helps the immune system recognise cancer cells and respond better to immunotherapy treatment.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes, 'the cells responsible for producing pigment.' It accounts for approximately 1% of all skin cancer cases but causes about 75% of skin cancer-related deaths. Melanoma can appear as a new mole or an existing one changing in color, size, shape, or texture. Early detection is crucial, and prompt treatment can significantly improve survival rates. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 100,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma annually in the United States.
The NHS has expanded its Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad programme, which aims to provide 10,000 patients in England with personalised cancer treatments by 2030. The programme has already helped thousands of NHS patients access trials of a personalised vaccine against bowel cancer, and the new trial for melanoma is part of this expansion.
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the immune system to fight cancer. The iSCIB1+ (ImmunoBody) vaccine boosts the immune response to immunotherapy, making it more effective in treating melanoma. This breakthrough could revolutionise cancer care for patients in England and across the world.
Immunotherapy is a medical treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight diseases.
It works by enhancing or restoring the body's natural defenses against cancer, infections, and autoimmune disorders.
This approach has shown significant promise in treating various conditions, including melanoma, lung cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
According to the American Cancer Society, immunotherapy has been approved for over 20 types of cancer.
In 2020, it was estimated that over 1 million patients worldwide received immunotherapy treatments.
The NHS has partnered with life-sciences company Scancell to widen access for patients at hospitals across the country. Seven sites have been registered for the trial, and the first patients are expected to be referred next month. This collaboration demonstrates the UK’s commitment to cutting-edge medical research and innovation.
The government is also backing this initiative, with Prime Minister ‘this kind of innovation is nothing short of life-saving’ Keir Starmer stating that and vowing to boost the life-sciences sector through fast-tracked clinical trials and reduced red tape for researchers. This support ensures that more patients have access to vital trials and innovative treatments.
Melanoma Focus, a charity that aims to improve treatment and care for people with melanoma, has welcomed the expansion of this trial. The organisation’s chief executive, ‘the use of vaccines to treat melanoma is an exciting development’ Susanna Daniels, noted and encourages eligible patients to participate in these groundbreaking trials.
The UK’s commitment to medical research and innovation could mark a golden age for cancer treatment. With the iSCIB1+ (ImmunoBody) vaccine and other cutting-edge treatments on the horizon, patients with melanoma and other types of cancer may soon have access to life-saving therapies.
Cancer treatment has seen significant advancements with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine.
Immunotherapy works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic mutations driving tumor growth.
Precision medicine tailors treatment to individual patient profiles.
Clinical trials have also led to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including CAR-T cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors.
- theguardian.com | Melanoma patients in England get fast track access to cancer vaccine
