Patients with advanced skin cancer in England are set to benefit from a revolutionary new cancer vaccine trial, thanks to the expansion of NHS England's world-leading Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.
This innovative programme aims to fast-track eligible patients into trials of cutting-edge vaccines at their nearest participating hospital.
The new DNA vaccine, known as iSCIB1+ (Immunobody®), is designed to enhance the immune system's ability to recognise, attack, and remember cancer cells, potentially preventing the disease from returning. Unlike personalised vaccines, iSCIB1+ targets biomarkers specific to melanoma tumours, acting as a flag to alert the immune system and trigger the activation of T cells. These T cells seek out and destroy cancer cells, creating an immune 'memory' that may offer lasting protection.
The vaccine is administered via needle-free injection into the skin (intradermal) or muscle (intramuscular) over a period of up to two years. The phase II trial, known as SCOPE, is currently underway, with the NHS CVLP aiming to recruit dozens of patients by October. The trial is coordinated by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, with seven sites initially registered and more expected to follow.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Cancer Director, commented:
“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.
“We want to ensure as many eligible NHS patients as possible have access to these vital trials, which is why we are working with a range of industry partners as more studies get up and running to ensure patients are fast-tracked to a vaccine that could transform lives.”
This latest NHS partnership with UK life-sciences company Scancell follows last year's successful trial of a colorectal cancer vaccine at several NHS sites. The CVLP has already helped thousands of patients access trials for a personalised bowel cancer vaccine, with over 350 patients fast-tracked for consideration.
Melanoma, the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounts for around 4% of all new cancer cases. Analysis by Cancer Research UK shows that melanoma cases increased by a third between 2009 and 2019. While around half of melanoma patients respond to standard immunotherapy, those who do not are at higher risk of their cancer progressing.
To be eligible for the trial, advanced melanoma patients who have not yet received treatment will need to undergo a blood test to determine their tissue type. This test examines genes that control immune system function, which vary from person to person.
The announcement of the expanded trial comes shortly after the Prime Minister unveiled plans for a new health data research service. This initiative aims to transform access to NHS data, accelerating the development of future medicines and therapies and boosting the UK's world-leading life sciences sector.
Cancer patients interested in participating in the trial can speak to their specialist about eligibility and referral to their nearest participating NHS site.
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