Source: The BBC – Helen Briggs.
Scientists have developed a vaccine that they say provides some protection against brain tumours in mice.
The vaccine works by boosting the immune system to attack abnormal cells. The approach has not been tested on humans, but clinical trials could begin next year in Germany, say researchers.
The mouse experiment showed that a vaccine may be able to boost this natural approach, the researchers said.
“We can induce an immune response that is similar to what we see in some brain tumour patients who have a natural immunity but it is not strong enough to take care of the tumour,” said Prof Michael Platten.n “It’s still too early to know if the vaccine will be efficacious in humans,” he added.
The team is applying for approval to start a human clinical trial in Germany next year.
The charity Cancer Research UK described the research, published in Nature, as “exciting”.
“Using the immune system to attack cancer is an exciting approach to tackling the disease and this research is another step forward in finding new treatments,” said Dr Emma Smith, senior science information officer…read more.
