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New skin cancer vaccine being tested by the NHS could halve the risk of death or recurrence of the deadly disease, research shows

  • Melanoma patients received an injection in addition to the immunotherapy drug Keytruda
  • They were 49 percent more likely to live compared to using Keytruda alone
  • The vaccine is tailor-made for individuals using the genetic makeup of their tumor

By Kate Pickles, Chicago health editor

Published: | Updated:

A skin cancer vaccine being tested by the NHS could halve the risk of death or recurrence of the disease, results show.

In the longest study of the treatment to date, melanoma patients who received the personalized injection in addition to the immunotherapy drug Keytruda were 49 percent more likely to be alive three years later compared to those who took Keytruda alone – the current standard of care.

Experts said they “fully expect similarly impressive results” in trials of vaccines against other cancers, including breast and colon.

Developed by pharmaceutical giants Moderna and MSD, the vaccine is tailor-made for individuals who take advantage of the specific genetic makeup of their tumor, giving it the best chance of cure.

It is injected into patients after they have had surgery and works by telling the body to detect cancer cells to prevent the deadly disease from returning.

The study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago, involved 157 patients with stage 3 or 4 of the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Melanoma patients who received a personalized shot in addition to the immunotherapy drug Keytruda were 49 percent more likely to be alive three years later compared to those who only took Keytruda

Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, said the findings add to the “exciting, evolving landscape of cancer vaccine research”.

A second study presented in Chicago found that vaccines can significantly improve breast cancer patients’ survival after surgery.

Led by a team from the University of Vienna, the vaccine – tecemotide – increased survival by 16 percent in 400 patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Lead author Dr Christian Singer said: ‘This is the first profound long-term survival benefit of an anti-cancer vaccine in breast patients.’

The vaccine is injected into patients after they have had surgery and works by telling the body to detect cancer cells to prevent the deadly disease from returning

Melanoma: the most dangerous form of skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It occurs after the DNA in skin cells is damaged (usually due to harmful UV rays) and then left unrepaired, causing mutations that can form malignant tumors.

Causes

  • Sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin
  • Birthmarks: The more moles you have, the greater the risk of developing melanoma
  • Skin type: Fairer skin has a higher risk of developing melanoma
  • Hair color: Red heads are more at risk than others
  • Personal history: If you have ever had melanoma, you are more likely to get it again
  • Family history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, it increases your risk

Therapy

This can be done by removing the entire part of the tumor or by having the surgeon remove the skin layer by layer. When a surgeon removes it layer by layer, it helps him figure out exactly where the cancer ends so he doesn’t have to remove more skin than necessary.

If discoloration or a dent is left during the operation, the patient may decide to use a skin graft.

  • Immunotherapy, radiation or chemotherapy:

This is necessary if the cancer reaches stage III or IV. This means that the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Prevention

  • Use sunscreen and don’t burn
  • Avoid tanning outdoors and in beds
  • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside
  • Keep newborns out of the sun
  • Examine your skin every month
  • See your doctor every year for a skin exam

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society

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