Meet the first UK vaccine trial participant
A lung cancer patient will be the first person in the UK to receive a new lung cancer vaccine.
Janusz Racz, 67, from London will receive the treatment today [Friday 23rd August]. The treatment primes the immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells. Doctors diagnosed him with stage 3 lung cancer in spring 2024.
Treatment began in June and learned the tumour was shrinking faster than expected. After learning about the clinical trial and, after careful consideration, chose to take part.
“I decided to take part in the hope it will provide a defence against cancer cells and stop the cancer coming back,” explained Mr Racz.
But I also thought that my participation in this research could help other people in the future and help this therapy become more widely available.”
Janusz Racz, first UK lung cancer vaccine trial participant
How the lung cancer vaccine works
The study will enrol approximately 130 participants across 34 research sites in seven countries. Researchers have selected six UK sites, including University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), where Mr Racz will receive the novel treatment.
The trial will enrol patients with non-small cell lung cancer, from stage 2 and 3 to stage 4 or recurrent disease
The BioNTech vaccine trains the immune system to identify and target cancer cells. This will reduce of toxicity on healthy cells which traditional treatments like chemotherapy are unable to distinguish.
The ultimate aim of the trial is to determine the safety of the treatment and that patients are able to tolerate it well.
UCLH consultant medical oncologist, Dr Sarah Banafif, is leading the delivery of the study at UCLH.
“The treatment targets cancer cells directly, aiming to treat lung cancer while leaving healthy tissue untouched.”
Why this matters for lung cancer patients
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said: “Today is a very exciting, and potentially monumental day, in our fight against lung cancer.
“A lung cancer vaccine could transform treatment and save thousands of lives. This trial shows real progress and offers genuine hope.”
The 20 UK patients will be recruited across six sites:
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (lead UK site)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Velindre University NHS Trust (Cardiff)
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust (Liverpool)
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed eligibility criteria can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05142189