Patients with an advanced type of cutaneous melanoma will have quick access to a new “revolutionary” vaccine against cancer, as part of a study of the National Health Service (NHS).
Patients with melanoma in England have access to the photo cancer vaccine: Archive
The study is part of the expansion of NHS England’s Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP), a program that allows quick access to eligible patients to studies that develop vaccines in the nearest participating hospital.
The vaccine, known as ISCIB1+ (Immunobody), helps the immune system recognize cancer cells and, therefore, respond better to immunotherapy, The Guardian reports.
The program aims to, by 2030, 10,000 patients in England benefit from personalized cancer treatments in the United Kingdom. NHS has concluded a partnership with Scancell, a life science company, to expand patients access to hospitals throughout the country, with seven locations initially registered. The first patients are expected to be sent next month.
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United Kingdom, representing about 4% of all new cases.
“Skin cancer can have a devastating impact And we know that cancer vaccines have the potential to revolutionize cancer care for patients in this country and around the world – and save more lives. It is incredibly interesting that NHS expands their world leader program, so more patients with different types of cancer could benefit from the development of new vaccines that could stop their cancer return.“Said Prof. Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director.
“We are working with a number of partners in the industry, as several studies become operational, to ensure that patients have quick access to a vaccine that could turn lives“He added.
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. Given that this cancer time is treatable if it is caught early, the experts urged people to keep their eyes on any potential signs of the disease. The cancer rate has increased by almost a third in a decade.
