HTERT Vaccine Shows Promise in Therapy-Resistant Cancer Patients, Study Finds

A breakthrough study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine (Volume 249, Issue 1) by King's College London, led by James Spicer, brings new hope in cancer immunotherapy. The phase 1 clinical trial titled "A phase 1 trial of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) vaccination combined with therapeutic strategies to control immune-suppressor mechanisms" shows promising results against solid tumours. The study aimed to test the safety and immune response efficacy of an hTERT vaccine in patients with various advanced, treatment-resistant solid tumours.

The research discovered not only the vaccine's safety but also significant immunological responses. Notably, it led to the clonal expansion of hTERT-reactive T cells and stabilized disease progression in a fraction of patients for at least six months. This innovative approach involved a unique strategy using an hTERT-derived peptide library and an adjuvant, along with drugs modulating immune-suppression, to boost the immune system's capacity to fight the cancer.

Expressing optimism, Professor Spicer regarded these findings as a considerable advancement in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Steven R. Goodman, Editor-in-Chief of the journal, also highlighted the study's potential to redefine therapeutic strategies in oncology. The trial received funding from the Candles Charity, supporting its promising inquiry into overcoming cancer's adaptive resistances.