The NIHR Leeds Clinical Research Facility at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) has made a significant stride in the fight against melanoma by recruiting our first patient for an international clinical trial testing a ground-breaking cancer immunotherapy vaccine. LTHT is one of eight sites in the UK exploring a personalised mRNA vaccine designed to prevent recurrence of the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma.
Matthew Adams, a family man from Apperley Bridge in Bradford, is the first of our patients to be recruited to this trial. An engineering manager for Yorkshire Water, Matt lives with his wife of 36 years, Linda, and their two daughters. Recently, the arrival of his new grandson brought joy into his life, making his health battle even more personal.
In February, Matt was diagnosed with melanoma, and he was admitted to the hospital for treatment in April. “I had the primary “mole” removed, followed by a biopsy of the swollen lymph nodes,” Matt recounts. “I must give special thanks to James Smith, my plastic surgeon, who did an amazing job. He was the first person who fully explained all my options and possible treatments, including the chance of a vaccine trial. His positivity is one of the main reasons I considered it.”
James Smith’s explanation of the vaccine attracted Matt’s interest. However, his oncologist Dr Maria Marples’ support made his decision clear. “Maria is so lovely and kind,” Matt shares. She went through the risks and benefits many times, making me feel comfortable with my choice to take part in the trial.”
After receiving the vaccine, Matt did not experience any physical pain, and he credits the research nurses at LTHT for his care. “The research team at St James’s is amazing,” he says. “They made me feel at ease right from the start. A special mention to Willombe, my research nurse, who has had to put up with me from the start. She has been under a lot of pressure setting up the trial and taking endless amounts of blood.”
Matt encourages other cancer patients to consider participating in clinical trials. “The team at St James’s explains everything from start to finish in a way you can understand,” he emphasises. “Yes, absolutely, I would recommend it.”
The personalised mRNA melanoma vaccine, being developed by Moderna and Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), is designed to match the unique genetic signature of each patient’s tumour. The vaccine instructs the body to produce proteins, or antibodies, that target markers found on that patients’ cancer cells. In this trial, the vaccine is combined with the standard-of-care immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab.
This vaccine technology builds on that used to develop many COVID-19 vaccines and is currently being tested in other clinical trials in a range of cancers. As yet, these vaccines are not approved as safe and effective, so they are not available outside clinical trials. They may, however, represent the next frontier in cancer treatment.
Consultant Oncologist Dr Jane Hook, the Principal Investigator of the trial at LTHT, said. “This clinical trial is using cutting-edge science to personalise cancer treatment and we hope it will increase the chance of cure for people with melanoma. We are excited to be taking part in this important study and grateful to our patients who agreed to participate in the trial.”
UK Lead Investigator Dr Heather Shaw added, “This vaccine has the potential to be a ‘game-changer,’ improving the chance of a cure for people with melanoma and potentially other cancers such as lung, bladder, and kidney tumors.”
The vaccine was administered by Team One Oncology research team. Well done to the team for their efforts.
Watch the broadcast of Matt receiving the vaccine.
About Melanoma
Melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, is marked by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Rising steadily over the past decades, melanoma saw nearly 325,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020. In the UK, it is the fifth most common type of cancer, with about 8,400 new cases annually.
– A mole that has changed size, shape, or color
– A mole that is painful or itchy
– A mole that is inflamed, bleeding, or crusty
– A new or unusual mark on the skin that persists after a few weeks
– A dark area under a nail not caused by an injury
Contact Your GP if you notice any of these signs.
For more information about the trial at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, please contact, leedsth-tr.researchcomms@nhs.net