Vaccine for skin cancer sees 'extremely impressive' results
The new vaccine, tailored to each patient using a sample of their tumour, has been found to halve the risk of death or recurrence of aggressive skin cancer.
Picture: Pixabay
John Maytham interviews dermatologist Dr Irshad Essack.
Listen below.
A groundbreaking cancer vaccine trial has shown promising results in the fight against melanoma.
The new vaccine, tailored to each patient using a sample of their tumour, has been found to halve the risk of death or recurrence of this aggressive skin cancer.
Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, the findings have been hailed as 'extremely impressive' by experts.
Essack notes that this is not an isolated trial but one of many efforts by various companies to develop vaccines and treatments for melanoma.
He highlights that melanoma is lethal and highly progressive.
RELATED: Melanoma skin cancer: 'It's fast becoming one of the biggest killers in SA'
"Melanoma is one of those lethal types of skin cancer."
- Dr Irshad Essack, Dermatologist
About 15 years ago, the life expectancy of melanoma patients was relatively short.
However, advancements in screenings and treatments have significantly improved survival rates, with patients now often living five to seven years or more.
"These types of treatments and advances are certainly promising in the treatment and life expectancy of patients with melanoma."
- Dr Irshad Essack, Dermatologist
Regarding the vaccines, Essack explains that they prime the immune system to recognise certain characteristics of cancer cells, allowing earlier detection and treatment when the cells are fewer and in smaller groups.
He notes the potential for the vaccine to be used to prevent melanomas.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.