Thousands of skin cancer patients in England are set to benefit from fast-tracked access to a groundbreaking new cancer vaccine trial as part of a pioneering NHS programme.
The trial, involving a DNA-based vaccine known as iSCIB1+ (Immunobody®), is being rolled out across multiple NHS hospitals under the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) scheme. It is designed to help the immune system better recognise, attack and remember cancer cells, potentially preventing the disease from returning.
The needle-free jab, delivered either into the skin or muscle, could be offered to dozens of patients by October. It is part of a broader push to offer innovative treatments to patients with advanced melanoma, the UK’s fifth most common cancer.
In partnership with UK biotech firm Scancell, the NHS has opened seven trial sites initially, with more expected to follow. The first referrals are due to begin in May.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Cancer Director, 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.”
The SCOPE Phase II trial, led by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, aims to enrol patients with advanced melanoma who have not yet received treatment. Participants will undergo a blood test to assess their tissue type and immune system compatibility.
Around half of melanoma patients respond well to standard immunotherapy. For those who don’t, this trial could offer a critical lifeline. The vaccine is not personalised but instead targets melanoma-specific biomarkers, helping train the immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively and possibly establish long-term immunity.
Paul Thomas, 63, a grandfather of four from New Milton, Hampshire, joined the trial last year after battling recurrent melanoma since 2017.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Melanoma cases have soared by a third in the UK over the past decade, according to Cancer Research UK. Experts hope this vaccine could be a game-changer in tackling the disease.
Dr Nermeen Varawalla, Chief Medical Officer at 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.”
Karen Underwood, Director of Research & Development at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which is hosting the trial, said: “Research is vital to advancing healthcare and I am delighted that more of our patients will now benefit from access to pioneering cancer vaccines.
“Evidence shows that hospitals actively engaged in clinical research tend to have better patient outcomes, even for patients who are not directly involved in a research trial.”
Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, who has previously been treated for skin cancer, welcomed the news: “This innovative collaboration through our Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad could transform how we treat advanced melanoma.
“By fast-tracking eligible patients into clinical trials across the country, we’re ensuring more people can access potentially life-saving innovations while supporting crucial research.”
The vaccine trial builds on the success of a similar scheme targeting bowel cancer, which has already seen more than 350 patients fast-tracked for consideration.
The Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, described by the NHS as a world-first “matchmaking” service for clinical trials, allows patients to be referred to participating hospitals nationwide, improving access to potentially life-saving research.
Dr Iain Foulkes, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer vaccine research continues to show promise and the Cancer Vaccines Launch Pad is an important route to fast-track this technology into clinical trials.
“There are over 200 different types of cancer and it’s unlikely there will ever be a single cure that works for everyone. That’s why it’s vital that we support a wide range of research.”
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, added: “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.”
Patients are encouraged to speak to their cancer specialists about eligibility for upcoming trials.
Sounds like more mRNA injections that killed and injured millions.