The first patient in the UK has received a personalised therapeutic cancer vaccine as part of an early-stage clinical trial. Chris Jones, who has advanced lung cancer that has only partially responded to standard immunotherapy, received the tailored vaccine.
The vaccine is designed to boost her immune system to recognise and attack tumour cells, potentially helping her benefit from treatment for longer. The trial, publicly funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), will involve ten participants with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Clinicians and scientists at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) and the University of Liverpool are overseeing the trial. It will assess the vaccine's safety and look for early indications that it might trigger an immune response against this common cancer.
Advanced computational technologies identify specific tumour targets, which are then manufactured into the vaccine using an innovative cell-free method to create 'doggybone DNA' (dbDNA). This technology aims to produce personalised vaccine components quickly and more affordably than traditional methods.
Chris Jones received her first dose at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool, via a needle-free injection system. She will receive further doses over several months alongside her standard immunotherapy treatment.