Researchers at the University of Birmingham announced the launch of a trial to study the use of an mRNA cancer vaccine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer in September 2024. In collaboration with the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), the researchers aim to recruit patients who are undergoing surgery to remove pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These patients will either receive the investigational cancer vaccine in combination with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is “among the deadliest cancer globally”, with a survival rate over 10 years of just 5% in England. Physical symptoms often appear only when the cancer has developed to an advanced stage, limiting treatment opportunities. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an “extremely aggressive” that accounts for 90% of all pancreatic cancers.
Dr Shivan Sivakumar, Principal Investigator of the trial, Associate Professor in Oncology at the University of Birmingham, and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), is “more familiar than most with the devastating nature of this disease”, which is the 5th biggest cancer killer in the UK.
“Sadly, pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage, when curative surgery is no longer an option. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that for the ‘lucky’ 1 in 10 who are eligible for surgery, the recurrence rate of pancreatic cancer after surgical treatment is over 80%.”
A new hope
The investigational therapeutic cancer vaccine deploys mRNA to deliver “instructions” for neoantigens found in a patient’s cancer. Samples of each patient’s tumour tissue and blood are sent to laboratories after surgery for vaccine design and manufacture. This approach of “training the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells” could potentially prevent cancer recurrence and increase the possibility of curing the patient.
Dr Sivakumar is “incredibly proud” that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is the first site in Europe to enrol a patient in the trial.
“This achievement highlights Birmingham’s leading role in advancing cancer treatment, offering new hope for patients battling one of the most challenging cancers we face today.”
Professor Kiran Patel, Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust commented that “we are very fortunate to have exceptional infrastructure and world-class talent that positions us perfectly to lead in vital areas of cancer research”.
“This trial showcases the expertise and dedication of our medical professionals, and the fantastic teams supporting them, who are at the leading edge of clinical research here in Birmingham. To be the first site to open in Europe reaffirms our role as a national and international centre for cutting-edge oncology and highlights our commitment to improving patient outcomes through pioneering approaches.”
Head of Research and Development Operations at UHB Jo Gray recognised the role of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in providing “expert care to patients receiving experimental therapies”.
“Birmingham is the first site outside of North America to open and to enrol a patient onto this complex, early phase trial that addresses an important need to identify better post-surgery treatments for pancreatic cancer.”
Professor Neil Hanley, Head of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences at the University of Birmingham stated that the research “epitomises why the University of Birmingham and its tremendous partnership with UHB is delivering life-changing impacts”. Professor Hanley hopes to “tilt” the discoveries of the pandemic towards a “much-needed world of new cancer treatments”.
“Birmingham is the ideal place to open this trial, with one of the leading pancreatic cancer units in the UK and serving a super diverse population.”
Head of Research at Pancreatic Cancer UK, Dr Chris Macdonald looks forward to “hope on the horizon”.
“We are absolutely delighted that Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is the first site in Europe to enrol a patient to an individualised pancreatic cancer vaccine trial. We will be following the results with great interest, as the potential here cannot be understated. If this research proves successful, the vaccine could be a vital new weapon against the deadliest common cancer.”
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