‘Game-changer’ cancer jab offers hope of a cure: NHS launches trial of world’s first personalised vaccine to destroy melanomas – and it uses same tech as pioneering Covid shots [Video]

19:01 EDT 25 Apr 2024, updated 21:21 EDT 25 Apr 2024

The world’s first personalised mRNA jab for melanoma is being trialled on British patients in what has been hailed a potential ‘gamechanger’ for cancer treatment.

The vaccine is custom-built for individuals using the specific genetic makeup of their tumour – giving it the best chance of a cure.

It works by telling the body to hunt down cancer cells and prevent the deadly disease from coming back.

Early results of the jab – developed by pharma giants Moderna and MSD – found it drastically improved the survival chances of the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Now University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is now leading the final phase of trials of the therapy, which scientists hope could also be used to stop lung, bladder and kidney cancer.