UK patients to be the first to test jab aimed at preventing skin cancer | UK News

The world’s first personalized mRNA cancer jab for melanoma is currently undergoing testing in British patients, with experts hailing it as a potential gamechanger in modern cancer therapy. This groundbreaking treatment, custom-built for each individual, instructs the body to identify and combat cancer cells, ultimately preventing the disease from recurring.

A stage-two trial of the jab showed promising results, significantly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence in melanoma patients. Now, a final trial has been launched, led by the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). Dr. Heather Shaw, the co-ordinating investigator of the trial, expressed excitement over the potential of this therapy, describing it as a finely honed tool that offers patients a level of precision and effectiveness akin to a gourmet meal compared to fast food.

The jab, known as individualized neoantigen therapy (INT), works by triggering the immune system to target the specific type of cancer present in each patient. By sequencing the DNA of a tumor sample and utilizing artificial intelligence, researchers can create a personalized therapy tailored to the individual’s needs.

The ultimate goal of this therapy is to eradicate cancer cells completely, even those that may not be detectable on scans. The phase-three global trial, which aims to recruit around 1,100 patients, will expand the testing to include a wider range of cancer types such as lung, bladder, and kidney cancer. Experts believe that this innovative approach could revolutionize cancer treatment and potentially be extended to other types of cancer in the future.