Skin cancer vaccine human trials successful
21 July 2004
by Richard
Conan-Davies
|
Recovering from a common skin cancer called a melanoma may be another step closer. Researchers from Australia's Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne have conducted the first clinical trials of a vaccine that targets skin cancer. The trial showed that cancer patients when given the vaccine after their tumours had been surgically removed were almost three times less likely to see their cancer return. The researchers stress that this is only the initial trial and that more work needs to be done to fine tune the vaccine and ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. |
 The vaccine targets a protein produced by melanoma so the body's own defences can attack the cancer. |
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