ANKARA: Physicians have launched the world’s first mRNA vaccine trial for lung cancer across seven countries, including Türkiye, marking a groundbreaking step in cancer treatment, Turkish media reported on Friday.
The vaccine, known as BNT116 and developed by BioNTech, targets non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer. It aims to eradicate cancer cells and prevent recurrence by training the immune system to identify and attack specific tumor markers associated with NSCLC.
This phase 1 clinical trial, taking place in the UK, the US, Germany, Spain, and Türkiye, represents a significant advancement in lung cancer treatment. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, responsible for about 1.8 million deaths annually, with particularly low survival rates for advanced stages.
The trial is being conducted at 34 research sites, including six in the UK. The first patient in the UK received the vaccine on Tuesday, marking a critical milestone, according to the Guardian.
Approximately 130 patients at various stages of lung cancer, from early to advanced or recurrent, will participate. They will receive the vaccine along with immunotherapy. BNT116 uses mRNA technology, similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines, to prompt the immune system to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, unlike traditional chemotherapy.
Experts, including Siow Ming Lee from University College London Hospitals, view this trial as the start of a “very exciting new era” in cancer research, as reported by the Guardian.
One of the initial participants, 67-year-old scientist Janusz Racz from London, joined the trial to support scientific advancement. Diagnosed in May, Racz hopes the new treatment will help eliminate his cancer and contribute to global cancer research efforts. He will undergo a rigorous treatment regimen, including multiple weekly injections followed by periodic doses over the year.
As the trial progresses, researchers aim to demonstrate the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing lung cancer recurrence, potentially establishing it as a standard treatment globally.
This initiative is part of a broader NHS scheme to fast-track patients into innovative cancer treatments, hailed as a potential game-changer in lung cancer treatment.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance expressed optimism about the trial, highlighting the vaccine’s potential to save thousands of lives, according to the Guardian.
Meanwhile, Racz is hopeful that, after completing his treatment, he will return to running and achieve his goal of finishing the London Marathon.
This trial represents a major milestone in lung cancer research, offering new hope and the potential to revolutionize treatment outcomes for patients worldwide.
