Groundbreaking Effort to Combat Ovarian Cancer
Researchers at the University of Oxford are developing the world’s first vaccine designed to prevent ovarian cancer, a disease that claims nearly 26,000 lives annually in the European Union. If successful, the vaccine, called OvarianVax, could offer a new defense against one of the most common and deadly cancers affecting women.
How the Vaccine Works
OvarianVax is designed to train the immune system to identify and attack the earliest signs of ovarian cancer. This form of cancer is often detected too late for effective treatment, making early prevention crucial. The vaccine will primarily target women with genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing the disease.
Addressing Genetic Risks
Currently, some women with high-risk genetic mutations opt for surgery to remove their ovaries and fallopian tubes, a procedure that can prevent cancer but also results in infertility. OvarianVax aims to offer a less invasive option by teaching the immune system to fight cancer cells before they have a chance to spread.
Tackling Early Detection
Dr. Ahmed Ahmed, head of the OvarianVax project, acknowledged the difficulty of teaching the immune system to detect ovarian cancer early. However, with advanced tools and technologies, the team is gaining new insights into how the immune system interacts with ovarian cancer cells, improving the chances of success.
Testing for Effectiveness
The research team will test how well the immune system responds to various proteins found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. Using cancer models grown from patients’ tumor tissues, the scientists hope to assess how effectively the vaccine can destroy these cells in the lab, an essential step before moving to human trials.
Long-Term Impact on Cancer Prevention
If initial tests prove successful, the next phase will involve clinical trials to determine how well the vaccine works in people. Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, emphasized that the project could lead to significant breakthroughs in improving ovarian cancer survival rates, though the vaccine may still take years to become widely available.
More Cancer Vaccines on the Horizon
In addition to OvarianVax, other cancer vaccines are in development. Oxford scientists are also working on a lung cancer vaccine, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has already shown promising results in preventing cervical cancer in young women.
Personalised Cancer Vaccines
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is testing personalized vaccines for cancer patients. By analyzing specific genetic mutations in tumors, researchers aim to create vaccines that help the immune system target and eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery, offering new hope for those already diagnosed with the disease.
SOURCE: Ref Image from iNews
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