Thousands of patients to receive world's first cancer vaccine

The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) is fast-tracking patients for upcoming cancer vaccine trials using mRNA technology, similar to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines will be customized to each individual's DNA.

The NHS's Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad has already enrolled dozens of participants and aims to include thousands more at 30 sites across the UK. Initially targeting bladder, colorectal, kidney, lung, skin, and pancreatic cancers, the program will expand to other types over time.

Collaborating with BioNTech, the initiative was announced ahead of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) conference. BioNTech will also present research on early detection of colorectal cancer.

The first participant, Elliot Pfebve, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, received the vaccine after surgery and chemotherapy. Trial lead Victoria Kunene is hopeful but says more data is needed. Pfebve expressed optimism about contributing to potentially groundbreaking cancer treatment.