https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce806ndv8neo Skip to content Watch * Home * News * Sport * Business * Innovation * Culture * Travel * Earth * Video * Live * Home * News + Israel-Gaza War + War in Ukraine + US Election + US & Canada + UK o UK Politics o England o N. Ireland # N. Ireland Politics o Scotland # Scotland Politics o Wales # Wales Politics + Africa + Asia o China o India + Australia + Europe + Latin America + Middle East + In Pictures + BBC Verify * Sport * Business + Executive Lounge + Technology of Business + Women at the Helm + Future of Business * Innovation + Technology + Science & Health + Artificial Intelligence + AI v the Mind * Culture + Film & TV + Music + Art & Design + Style + Books + Entertainment News * Travel + Destinations o Africa o Antarctica o Asia o Australia and Pacific o Caribbean & Bermuda o Central America o Europe o Middle East o North America o South America + World's Table + Culture & Experiences + Adventures + The SpeciaList * Earth + Natural Wonders + Weather & Science + Climate Solutions + Sustainable Business + Green Living * Video * Live + Live News + Live Sport [ ] Home News Sport Business Innovation Culture Travel Earth Video Live Audio Weather Newsletters Promising lung cancer vaccine trial begins in UK [grey-place]PA Media Janusz Racz, 67, is the first participant in trialling the BNT116 vaccine, made by German biotechnology company BioNTech.PA Media Janusz Racz, 67, says he is "open to trying new things" A 67-year-old man has become the first person in the UK to try what doctors hope will be a revolutionary new treatment for lung cancer - a vaccine that tells the body how to fight and kill the disease. It uses the same mRNA technology as some Covid jabs to give instructions to the immune system. The early-stage trial in which Janusz Racz is taking part will check the shot is safe. Some 34 research sites in seven countries, including University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, will recruit 130 patients to try it. Highly targeted The treatment should specifically target cancer cells for destruction rather than healthy ones, hopefully meaning fewer side effects. It contains information about several markers found on the surface of lung cancer cells to teach the patient's immune system what to find and fight. The BNT116 vaccine, made by German biotechnology company BioNTech, could be a game-changer, say experts. Prof Siow Ming Lee, who is clinical lead for the UK part of the trial, told the BBC's Today programme: "We hope to kick-start this new era of mRNA cancer vaccine treatment for lung cancer. "Hopefully, in combination with the current standard treatment - immunotherapy and chemotherapy - we can provide an additional immune boost." Mr Racz, from London, says he is open to trying new things. "I hope it will provide a defence against cancer cells. But I also thought that my participation in this research could help other people in future, and help this therapy become more widely available. "As a scientist myself, I know that science can only advance if people agree to participate in programmes like this." Artificial intelligence finds lung cancer Esther Rantzen says her lung cancer is stage four Woman once paid in cigarettes welcomes lung check Mr Racz, who works in artificial intelligence, was diagnosed with lung cancer after having some breathing problems that he thought might be asthma. A medical scan (for an unrelated issue) revealed a tumour on his right lung. NHS England national cancer director Dame Cally Palmer said shots like this one could be "revolutionary" in vaccinating people against their own cancers to prevent the disease returning. "A cancer diagnosis is very worrying, but access to groundbreaking trials - alongside other innovations to diagnose and treat cancers earlier - provides hope. "We expect to see thousands more patients taking part in trials over the next few years," she said. The trial will recruit people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from early-stage before surgery or radiotherapy, to late-stage disease or recurrent cancer - to have the jab alongside standard immunotherapy. The other UK hospitals taking part include: * Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust * Velindre University NHS Trust * The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust * Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust * The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust There are several other vaccines being used against different types of cancer. Unlike vaccines to protect us from infectious diseases, such as measles, cancer treatment vaccines are for people who already have the illness. Cancer vaccines help your body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Some, like this latest one, are designed based on common markers that tend to occur only on cancer cells. Others are bespoke or tailor-made for an individual's specific tumour. Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: "We're pleased to see that another cancer vaccine trial has opened in the UK, allowing more patients to access cutting-edge therapies. "The science that helped us out of the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to show promise as a potential treatment option for patients "While very early stage, we look forward to seeing how the study progresses." Lung cancer: Signs and symptoms Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million in 2020. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type. There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, but things to see a doctor about include: * a cough that does not go away after a few weeks * a long-standing cough that gets worse * chest infections that keep coming back * coughing up blood Health Vaccination Cancer --------------------------------------------------------------------- Related Baby contracts Gaza's first case of polio in 25 years 8 hrs ago Middle East Will the NHS ever pay for the new era of dementia drugs? 10 hrs ago Health Senior doctors vote to accept new pay offer 13 hrs ago Northern Ireland --------------------------------------------------------------------- More 7 hrs ago [grey-place]Natalie Ridler with her children Mum felt sick after late son's charity defrauded Charlotte Blackwell targeted Morgan's Army, which was founded in memory of a three-year-old boy. 7 hrs ago Wales 12 hrs ago [grey-place]Amy Dowden smiling at the camera Strictly's Amy Dowden reveals new cancer scare The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer's fresh worry after twice having cancer last year. 12 hrs ago Wales 18 hrs ago [grey-place]A dark-haired woman with glasses smiles at the camera while her two young sons, both with short blonde hair, kiss her one on each cheek. 'How do you tell a 5-year-old Mummy's going to die?' Sam was diagnosed with stage four cancer in April. 18 hrs ago England 18 hrs ago [grey-place]Marina Waldron wearing a black hat. She has blonde hair and is looking directly at the camera 'Our daughter should not have died from Covid jab' Two families believe their loved ones would still be alive if vaccine warnings had been shared. 18 hrs ago England 2 days ago [grey-place]A purple and blue bike sculpture with Mannin Cancers Support Group's logo is on the right. TT bike sculpture art initiative to support cancer centre Racing bike models will be put on display during TT 2025 and auctioned off on Senior Race Day. 2 days ago Isle of Man --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Home * News * Sport * Business * Innovation * Culture * Travel * Earth * Video * Live * Audio * Weather * BBC Shop BBC in other languages Follow BBC on: * Terms of Use * About the BBC * Privacy Policy * Cookies * Accessibility Help * Contact the BBC * Advertise with us * Do not share or sell my info * Contact technical support Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.