A world-first lung cancer vaccine is now in human trials – and it could change everything.
The vaccine, known as BNT116 and developed by BioNTech, targets non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-the most common and deadliest form of the disease. Using the same mRNA technology that powered COVID-19 vaccines, the jab trains the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
Early participants in the trial include 67-year-old Janusz Racz from London, who began treatment at University College London Hospitals.
The phase 1 trial will involve about 130 patients globally, including 20 in the UK, and marks a key step toward potentially making this therapy standard care.
Delivered in weekly doses followed by maintenance injections, the vaccine is combined with immunotherapy to enhance the body’s anti-cancer defenses. Researchers hope this groundbreaking approach will not only treat existing tumors but also prevent recurrence a major hurdle in lung cancer survival.
If successful, future trial phases could usher in a new era of personalized cancer treatment and dramatically improve outcomes for millions worldwide.
Source: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/