UK scientists developing the first vaccine to fight bowel cancer

25 January 2024 , 19:20

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Dame Deborah James was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer and went on to host the You, Me and the Big C podcast (Image: BBC/Sebastien Bowen)

A first ever vaccine against bowel cancer is being developed by UK scientists.

The jab will initially be used to attack the tumour prior to surgery and help kill it. If successful it will bolster the immune system to help it stop bowel cancer returning and transform survival rates. It is hoped the vaccine will eventually remove the need for surgery, instead helping the body eradicate the cancer.

The international trial is being led by Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. Chief investigator Dr Tony Dhillon, a consultant medical oncologist, said: “I feel as if we are on the edge of something really big here. It will be life changing as it means potentially, patients may not need to have surgery – they may just have the vaccine.”

Dame Deborah James and Prince William campaigned to raise awareness of bowel cancer

Awareness of bowel cancer, the third most common form, surged thanks to the camp-aigning work of TV presenter Dame Deborah James, who died from the disease in 2022, aged 40. Her Bowel Babe appeal raised a total of £11.3million towards vital research.

The new trial will be available for 44 patients at participating hospitals around the world. After that the vaccine will either be licensed or bigger trials may be launched to expand its uses. Dr Dhillon said: “We have high hopes it will be successful.”

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