Scientists from the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute and University College London (UCL) are using the same technology that created AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine to create LungVax - a Activate the immune system to kill cancer cells and prevent lung cancer.
The vaccine works by using a DNA sequence to train the immune system to recognize and destroy “red flag” proteins, or mutant antigens, in lung cancer cells. These neoantigens appear on cell surfaces due to cancer-causing mutations in the cell's DNA.
The research team received 1,7 million pounds ($2,14 million) in funding from charities including Cancer Research UK and the CRIS Cancer Foundation. 3.000 doses of vaccine.
If LungVax tests trigger an immune response in a laboratory setting, the vaccine will move into clinical trials and then be tested on high-risk people.
People at high risk may include people aged 55 – 74 who are current smokers, former smokers and those eligible for lung health screening in parts of the UK.
According to data from Cancer Research UK, each year in the UK there are about 48.500 cases of lung cancer, 72% of which are due to smoking. Meanwhile, currently less than 10% of people with lung cancer can survive 10 years after their disease, said Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani of UCL and the Francis Crick Institute, who is leading the LungVax clinical trial phase, said.
According to Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, LungVax is a “really important step forward”, towards a future where cancer is more preventable.
“The science that has succeeded in bringing the world out of the pandemic can also help us move towards a future where people can live longer and live better without the fear of cancer. We are in a golden age of research and this is one of many projects that we hope will transform the survival of people with lung cancer,” said Michelle Mitchell.
This study complements existing efforts through lung screening to detect cancer earlier in those at highest risk. LungVax may also offer a possible route to preventing some cancers detected in their early stages. However, Professor Jamal-Hanjani emphasized that the optimal solution to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to stop smoking.
Minh Hoa (t/h according to VTV, Vietnam+)
