Researchers ran a phase 1 trial of a personalized DNA vaccine called GNOS-PV01 at a cancer centre connected to a university. The vaccine was developed with partners and it aims to teach the immune system to recognise neoantigens, which are proteins unique to each patients tumour.
Nine adult patients recently diagnosed with glioblastoma joined the trial. Each patients vaccine was prepared while they recovered and had radiation. Injections began about ten weeks after surgery and continued on a set schedule over many months.
Most participants showed increased immune-cell activity after vaccination. Clinical outcomes were better than historical results and researchers now plan larger studies to test the vaccine further.
Difficult words
- personalized DNA vaccine — vaccine made for one person's cancer
- phase 1 trial — first small study to test a treatment
- neoantigen — new protein made by a patient's tumourneoantigens
- glioblastoma — a serious cancer in the brain
- immune system — body's cells and organs that fight illness
- radiation — high-energy treatment that can kill cells
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do researchers plan larger studies for this vaccine?
- Do you think a personalized vaccine is a good idea? Why or why not?
- How long after surgery did patients start injections in this trial?
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