Melanoma Vaccine Trial Fast-Tracked by NHS After 33% Surge in UK Cases Since 2009

A new cancer vaccine for advanced melanoma patients is being fast-tracked through the NHS in England, offering fresh hope to those battling this serious form of skin cancer.

The vaccine, called iSCIB1+ (Immunobody), developed by UK-based Scancell, works differently from preventative vaccines. It helps the body’s immune system better recognize, attack and “remember” cancer cells, potentially stopping the disease from returning.

NHS England has expanded its world-first Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) program to include this melanoma vaccine trial. Seven hospital sites are initially registered to offer the treatment, with patient referrals expected to begin next month.

“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 across the world – and to save more lives,” said NHS National Cancer Director Professor Peter Johnson.

Why This Matters

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for about 4% of all new cancer cases. Data from Cancer Research UK shows cases rose by a third between 2009-2019.

While about half of melanoma patients respond well to standard immunotherapy treatments, those who don’t respond face a higher risk of their cancer progressing. This vaccine aims to improve those odds.

The phase II clinical trial, known as SCOPE, is coordinated by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit. Researchers hope to recruit dozens of patients by October.

How It Works

The iSCIB1+ vaccine targets specific biomarkers found on melanoma tumors. These biomarkers act like flags that alert the immune system. When the vaccine is administered, it triggers T-cells (a type of immune cell) to seek out and destroy cancer cells displaying these markers.

Unlike personalized cancer vaccines that are tailored to each patient’s specific tumor, this is an “off-the-shelf” treatment designed to work for eligible patients with advanced melanoma.

To determine eligibility, patients with advanced melanoma who haven’t yet received treatment will first need a blood test to check their tissue type (HLA type). This test examines genes that control how the immune system works, which vary from person to person.

The vaccine is administered via needle-free injection, either into the skin (intradermal) or muscle (intramuscular), and treatment can last up to two years.

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Real Patient Experience

Paul Thomas, a 63-year-old grandfather of four from Hampshire, joined the SCOPE trial after being diagnosed with advanced skin cancer in 2017. His cancer had repeatedly returned following treatment.

“Since I’ve been on it, my tumors have all shrunk. Every time I go for a scan they seem to be shrinking, which is really exciting,” said Thomas. “I’m really hoping for total eradication of my cancer, as opposed to being put in remission and I’m feeling optimistic.”

Expert Perspectives

Dr. Nermeen Varawalla, Chief Medical Officer at Scancell, pointed to promising early results: “Recent clinical data has demonstrated that our potent, tumor-targeted ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer vaccine delivers strong efficacy, with the potential for meaningful long-term survival benefits in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma.”

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, welcomed the development: “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.”

The charity offers a Melanoma TrialFinder to help eligible patients locate trial centers and discuss options with their medical teams.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also supported the initiative: “This kind of innovation is nothing short of life-saving and I want to see more of these world-leading treatments being developed in the UK.”

The Bigger Picture

The Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad aims to provide 10,000 patients in England with personalized cancer treatments by 2030. It has already begun helping thousands of patients access trials of a personalized vaccine against bowel cancer, with more than 350 patients fast-tracked for consideration.

Full data from the ongoing SCOPE trial is expected in mid and late 2025. These results will be crucial in determining the next steps for this promising treatment approach.

This melanoma vaccine trial represents part of a broader trend in cancer research toward harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, offering new options for patients who may not respond to existing treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new melanoma vaccine and how does it work?

The iSCIB1+ (Immunobody) vaccine is a therapeutic cancer vaccine developed by UK company Scancell. Unlike preventative vaccines, it’s designed to treat existing cancer. The vaccine helps the immune system recognize specific markers on melanoma tumor cells, triggering T-cells to seek out and destroy the cancer. It aims to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy and potentially prevent cancer recurrence by creating an immune “memory” against the cancer cells.

Who is eligible for this melanoma vaccine trial?

The trial is currently open to patients in England with advanced melanoma who haven’t yet received treatment for their advanced disease. Eligibility requires a blood test to determine the patient’s HLA type (tissue type), which helps researchers understand how their immune system might respond to the vaccine. Initially, seven hospital sites will offer the treatment, with more expected to join. Patients should speak with their cancer specialist about whether they might qualify.

How is this vaccine different from standard melanoma treatments?

Standard treatment for advanced melanoma often involves immunotherapy, which helps about 50% of patients. This vaccine is designed to work alongside immunotherapy to improve its effectiveness. Unlike personalized cancer vaccines that are custom-made for each patient, the iSCIB1+ is an “off-the-shelf” treatment targeting specific melanoma biomarkers. It’s administered via needle-free injection either into the skin or muscle, and treatment can continue for up to two years.

When will this vaccine be widely available?

The vaccine is currently in a phase II clinical trial called SCOPE, so it’s not yet widely available. The first patient referrals are expected to begin in May 2025, with researchers hoping to recruit dozens of patients by October. Data from this trial is expected in mid and late 2025. If the results are positive, further trials or regulatory steps would be needed before the vaccine could become a standard treatment option. The NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad aims to provide personalized cancer treatments to 10,000 patients by 2030.

Has the vaccine shown any success so far?

Early results appear promising. According to Scancell, recent clinical data has shown “strong efficacy” with potential for long-term survival benefits in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. One trial participant, Paul Thomas, reported that his tumors have been shrinking since joining the trial. However, comprehensive data from the current phase II trial isn’t expected until mid to late 2025, which will provide a clearer picture of the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety.

How common is melanoma and why is this trial important?

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for about 4% of all new cancer cases. Data shows cases rose by a third between 2009 and 2019. While melanoma caught early has a good prognosis, advanced cases can be difficult to treat. About half of patients with advanced melanoma don’t respond well to standard immunotherapy treatments, putting them at higher risk of their cancer progressing. This trial is important because it could provide a new treatment option for these patients and potentially improve outcomes for a cancer that’s becoming increasingly common.

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