Latest news with #CVLP
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Off-the-shelf vaccine shows promise in preventing cancers returning, study finds
An off-the-shelf vaccine has shown promise in preventing the return of pancreatic and colorectal cancer, researchers have revealed. Cancer vaccines have been the subject of promising research in recent years. The NHS in England has been trialling various jabs in patients through the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP). Such vaccines train the body's immune system to recognise cancer cells so any that return after treatments such as surgery can be hunted down and killed, reducing the risk of the disease coming back. Many cancer vaccines, including some of those based on mRNA technology, are personalised to the patient's tumours. However, a study has suggested a non-personalised, experimental vaccine that is already being made at scale could help prevent the return of pancreatic and colorectal cancer. If borne out by further trials, experts say, the approach could be beneficial since the vaccine is likely to be cheaper and faster to access than mRNA jabs, as well as less toxic than some other therapies. 'After a long-term follow-up of this study, we were able to demonstrate that the group of patients who mounted an immune response have a greater likelihood of not having their cancer return and living longer compared to historical expectation of what that patient would do,' said Prof Zev Wainberg, an oncologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a co-author of the study. The authors noted 90% of people with pancreatic cancer and 50% of those with colorectal cancer had mutations in the Kras gene. These mutations result in the production of altered Kras proteins that cause cells to divide and proliferate. Writing in the journal Nature Medicine, Wainberg and colleagues reported how they gave a vaccine called ELI-002 2P to 20 patients who had had surgery for pancreatic cancer and five who had been operated on for colorectal cancer. The vaccine contains peptides – long chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The vaccine works by training the T-cells of the body's immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells with mutations that result in them producing the altered Kras proteins. At a median follow-up of almost 20 months, the team found patients fell into two groups: 17 who had a strong immune response to the jab and eight who had a weaker response. The team found the former group experienced a longer period before their cancer returned and survived longer overall. Overall, four of those 17 patients died during follow-up, compared with seven of the eight who had a lower immune response. However, the study is early stage research designed primarily to assess safety, involved only 25 participants, had no controls, and looked at two very different types of cancer. Even so, experts said the results were worth noting. Siow Ming Lee, a professor of medical oncology at University College London, who was not involved with the work, suggested the ELI-002 2P vaccine could be combine with other kinds of immunotherapy, and might help a wider range of patients. 'With promising early results and potentially fewer side-effects than current oral inhibitors, this off-the-shelf cancer vaccine could expand treatment options for Kras-driven cancers and warrants further testing in larger trials, including exploring its potential use in lung cancers driven by mutations in Kras gene,' he said. Dr Shivan Sivakumar of the University of Birmingham, who works on mRNA-based pancreatic cancer vaccines, said it was fascinating so many of the patients in the study showed a clear immune response to the off-the-shelf vaccine. But Sivakumar noted that a key advantage of personalised mRNA vaccines was that they did not have to rely on mutations in the Kras gene. He said it was now important to carry out randomised control trials of the ELI-002 2P vaccine and follow patients over a longer period. 'How many times have we been down this garden path where we've got really excited about the science? But actually, ultimately, the real scientific experiment is in patients,' Sivakumar added.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Off-the-shelf vaccine shows promise in preventing cancers returning, study finds
An off-the-shelf vaccine has shown promise in preventing the return of pancreatic and colorectal cancer, researchers have revealed. Cancer vaccines have been the subject of promising research in recent years. The NHS in England has been trialling various jabs in patients through the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP). Such vaccines train the body's immune system to recognise cancer cells so any that return after treatments such as surgery can be hunted down and killed, reducing the risk of the disease coming back. Many cancer vaccines, including some of those based on mRNA technology, are personalised to the patient's tumours. However, a study has suggested a non-personalised, experimental vaccine that is already being made at scale could help prevent the return of pancreatic and colorectal cancer. If borne out by further trials, experts say, the approach could be beneficial since the vaccine is likely to be cheaper and faster to access than mRNA jabs, as well as less toxic than some other therapies. 'After a long-term follow-up of this study, we were able to demonstrate that the group of patients who mounted an immune response have a greater likelihood of not having their cancer return and living longer compared to historical expectation of what that patient would do,' said Prof Zev Wainberg, an oncologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a co-author of the study. The authors noted 90% of people with pancreatic cancer and 50% of those with colorectal cancer had mutations in the Kras gene. These mutations result in the production of altered Kras proteins that cause cells to divide and proliferate. Writing in the journal Nature Medicine, Wainberg and colleagues reported how they gave a vaccine called ELI-002 2P to 20 patients who had had surgery for pancreatic cancer and five who had been operated on for colorectal cancer. The vaccine contains peptides – long chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The vaccine works by training the T-cells of the body's immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells with mutations that result in them producing the altered Kras proteins. At a median follow-up of almost 20 months, the team found patients fell into two groups: 17 who had a strong immune response to the jab and eight who had a weaker response. The team found the former group experienced a longer period before their cancer returned and survived longer overall. Overall, four of those 17 patients died during follow-up, compared with seven of the eight who had a lower immune response. However, the study is early stage research designed primarily to assess safety, involved only 25 participants, had no controls, and looked at two very different types of cancer. Even so, experts said the results were worth noting. Siow Ming Lee, a professor of medical oncology at University College London, who was not involved with the work, suggested the ELI-002 2P vaccine could be combine with other kinds of immunotherapy, and might help a wider range of patients. 'With promising early results and potentially fewer side-effects than current oral inhibitors, this off-the-shelf cancer vaccine could expand treatment options for Kras-driven cancers and warrants further testing in larger trials, including exploring its potential use in lung cancers driven by mutations in Kras gene,' he said. Dr Shivan Sivakumar of the University of Birmingham, who works on mRNA-based pancreatic cancer vaccines, said it was fascinating so many of the patients in the study showed a clear immune response to the off-the-shelf vaccine. But Sivakumar noted that a key advantage of personalised mRNA vaccines was that they did not have to rely on mutations in the Kras gene. He said it was now important to carry out randomised control trials of the ELI-002 2P vaccine and follow patients over a longer period. 'How many times have we been down this garden path where we've got really excited about the science? But actually, ultimately, the real scientific experiment is in patients,' Sivakumar added.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scancell shares up 6% after NHS partnership for fast-track cancer vaccine trial
Patients with an advanced type of skin melanoma in England will be given expedited access to a new vaccine being developed by Scancell as part of a National Health Service (NHS) clinical trial. UK-based biotech Scancell developed its off-the-shelf DNA vaccine – dubbed iSCIB1+ – to help improve the recognition of cancer cells by the patient's immune system, which enhances response to immunotherapy treatments. The vaccine uses a needle-free injection device system and is administered for up to 85 weeks. Shares in London-listed Scancell were up 6% at market open today (14 April) following the news. The company has a market cap of £102.1m. The clinical trial (NCT04079166) is part of the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP), a framework launched in May 2024 to help fast-track eligible patients into studies at nearby hospitals evaluating vaccines against cancers. It is part of a government push to boost the medical research landscape in the UK. The Phase II study, called SCOPE, is already underway and is slated to enrol more than 140 patients. The first referrals for patients who are part of the CVLP fast-track are expected next month. Southampton Clinical Trials Unit has agreed to be the trial site for the CVLP partnership with Scancell. Scancell stated that data from one of the cohorts in the trial, who received a first iteration of the vaccine alongside two checkpoint inhibitors, demonstrated an 80% progression-free survival (PFS) and 20% complete response rate (CR). Other cohorts are testing the latest generation of the vaccine, in addition to evaluating an intradermal administration route. The first clinical data from iSCIB1+ is expected in mid-2025. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 4% of all new cancer cases. Around half of melanoma patients respond to standard care of immunotherapy, but those who do not are at higher risk of cancer progression. iSCIB1+, developed using Scancell's Immunobody DNA vaccine platform, targets activated antigen-presenting cells via CD64 and activates T cells. According to the biotech, this creates an immune memory that prevents the cancer from recurring. The SCOPE trial is the latest expansion of the CVLP. Its debut last year marked the start of a clinical trial sponsored by BioNTech that is fast-tracking access to the company's personalised mRNA vaccine against bowel cancer in an ongoing study. The NHS stated that more than 350 patients have been referred for consideration to date. 'It's incredibly exciting that the NHS is expanding its world-leading programme so more patients with different types of cancer could benefit from the development of new vaccines that could stop their cancer coming back,' said Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS' national cancer director. 'We want to ensure as many eligible NHS patients as possible have access to these vital trials, which is why we are working with a range of industry partners as more studies get up and running to ensure patients are fast-tracked to a vaccine that could transform lives.' Scancell's chief medical officer Dr Nermeen Varawalla said: 'Cancer vaccines have the potential to transform immunotherapy, redefine treatment options and ultimately save lives. "Recent clinical data has demonstrated that our potent, tumour-targeted 'off-the-shelf' cancer vaccine delivers strong efficacy, with the potential for meaningful long-term survival benefits in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma.' "Scancell shares up 6% after NHS partnership for fast-track cancer vaccine trial" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Patients with advanced skin cancer to test a new vaccine in NHS drive
Patients with advanced skin cancer will be able to test a new vaccine as part of a drive to speed up the development of new treatments. The NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) intends to accelerate access to messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine clinical trials for people with different types of cancer. The programme has already given thousands of patients better access to a personalised vaccine for bowel cancer, and is now expanding to include a trial for melanoma. The CVLP aims to provide up to 10,000 patients in England with personalised cancer treatments in the UK by 2030. Faster recruitment to the trials and having them run in more NHS sites means they should be able to progress faster and produce results more quickly. The new melanoma vaccine, known as iSCIB1+ (Immunobody), helps the immune system recognise cancer cells and therefore better respond to existing immunotherapy treatment. By working to help the body recognise, attack and 'remember' cancer cells, it can help stop the disease returning. Around half of melanoma patients respond to immunotherapy, but those who do not are at higher risk of their cancer getting worse. The vaccine is being trialled by needle-free injection into the skin or muscle, and the CVLP, working with UK life-sciences company Scancell, hopes to expand the number of patients taking part by October. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 4% of all new cancer cases. NHS national cancer director, Professor Peter Johnson, said: 'Skin cancer can have a devastating impact and we know that cancer vaccines have the potential to revolutionise cancer care for patients in this country and across the world – and to save more lives. 'It's incredibly exciting that the NHS is expanding its world-leading programme so more patients with different types of cancer could benefit from the development of new vaccines that could stop their cancer coming back.' Grandfather-of-four Paul Thomas, 63, from New Milton, Hampshire, was first diagnosed with advanced skin cancer in 2017, and the disease kept returning following treatment. Last year, Mr Thomas, who owns a window cleaning business, was given the opportunity to be part of the SCOPE skin cancer vaccine trial which is now part of the NHS CVLP. He said: 'I feel so lucky to be put on the trial. Thankfully I was still quite fit and since I've been on it, my tumours have all shrunk. 'Every time I go for a scan they seem to be shrinking, which is really exciting. 'I'm really hoping for total eradication of my cancer, as opposed to being put in remission, and I'm feeling optimistic. 'The care I've had so far has been fantastic and the team that have looked after me have been superb, along with amazing support from my family, I'm so thankful.' Dr Nermeen Varawalla, chief medical officer, Scancell, said: 'Cancer vaccines have the potential to transform immunotherapy, redefine treatment options and ultimately save lives. 'Recent clinical data has demonstrated that our potent, tumour-targeted 'off-the-shelf' cancer vaccine delivers strong efficacy, with the potential for meaningful long-term survival benefits in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. 'Our partnership with the CVLP will give patients expedited access to this landmark study and is an important step in accelerating the clinical development of this important new treatment.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'Melanoma skin cancer can be deadly and it's sadly on the rise in the UK. 'As well as continuing to call for urgent action on prevention, we're delighted to see progress in innovative treatments and very much welcome the expansion of this vaccine trial. 'The use of vaccines to treat melanoma is an exciting development and we will be encouraging eligible patients to take part in these ground-breaking trials with our up-to-date Melanoma TrialFinder so that vaccines can be understood and patients can locate trial centres to discuss with their medical teams.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'This kind of innovation is nothing short of life-saving and I want to see more of these world-leading treatments being developed in the UK.'
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Patients with advanced skin cancer to test a new vaccine in NHS drive
Patients with advanced skin cancer will be able to test a new vaccine as part of a drive to speed up the development of new treatments. The NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) intends to accelerate access to messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine clinical trials for people with different types of cancer. The programme has already given thousands of patients better access to a personalised vaccine for bowel cancer, and is now expanding to include a trial for melanoma. The CVLP aims to provide up to 10,000 patients in England with personalised cancer treatments in the UK by 2030. Faster recruitment to the trials and having them run in more NHS sites means they should be able to progress faster and produce results more quickly. The new melanoma vaccine, known as iSCIB1+ (Immunobody), helps the immune system recognise cancer cells and therefore better respond to existing immunotherapy treatment. By working to help the body recognise, attack and 'remember' cancer cells, it can help stop the disease returning. Around half of melanoma patients respond to immunotherapy, but those who do not are at higher risk of their cancer getting worse. The vaccine is being trialled by needle-free injection into the skin or muscle, and the CVLP, working with UK life-sciences company Scancell, hopes to expand the number of patients taking part by October. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 4% of all new cancer cases. NHS national cancer director, Professor Peter Johnson, said: 'Skin cancer can have a devastating impact and we know that cancer vaccines have the potential to revolutionise cancer care for patients in this country and across the world – and to save more lives. 'It's incredibly exciting that the NHS is expanding its world-leading programme so more patients with different types of cancer could benefit from the development of new vaccines that could stop their cancer coming back.' Grandfather-of-four Paul Thomas, 63, from New Milton, Hampshire, was first diagnosed with advanced skin cancer in 2017, and the disease kept returning following treatment. Last year, Mr Thomas, who owns a window cleaning business, was given the opportunity to be part of the SCOPE skin cancer vaccine trial which is now part of the NHS CVLP. He said: 'I feel so lucky to be put on the trial. Thankfully I was still quite fit and since I've been on it, my tumours have all shrunk. 'Every time I go for a scan they seem to be shrinking, which is really exciting. 'I'm really hoping for total eradication of my cancer, as opposed to being put in remission, and I'm feeling optimistic. 'The care I've had so far has been fantastic and the team that have looked after me have been superb, along with amazing support from my family, I'm so thankful.' Dr Nermeen Varawalla, chief medical officer, Scancell, said: 'Cancer vaccines have the potential to transform immunotherapy, redefine treatment options and ultimately save lives. 'Recent clinical data has demonstrated that our potent, tumour-targeted 'off-the-shelf' cancer vaccine delivers strong efficacy, with the potential for meaningful long-term survival benefits in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. 'Our partnership with the CVLP will give patients expedited access to this landmark study and is an important step in accelerating the clinical development of this important new treatment.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 'Melanoma skin cancer can be deadly and it's sadly on the rise in the UK. 'As well as continuing to call for urgent action on prevention, we're delighted to see progress in innovative treatments and very much welcome the expansion of this vaccine trial. 'The use of vaccines to treat melanoma is an exciting development and we will be encouraging eligible patients to take part in these ground-breaking trials with our up-to-date Melanoma TrialFinder so that vaccines can be understood and patients can locate trial centres to discuss with their medical teams.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'This kind of innovation is nothing short of life-saving and I want to see more of these world-leading treatments being developed in the UK.'
