Researchers from the University of Oxford are developing the world’s first ovarian cancer vaccine, which holds the promise of potentially eliminating this deadly illness.
Called OvarianVax, the vaccine is designed to train the immune system to identify and combat the earliest forms of ovarian cancer. If proven effective, it could be administered as a preventive measure to women through the NHS, with the ultimate aim of wiping out the disease.
Professor Ahmed Ahmed, who leads the ovarian cancer cell laboratory at Oxford’s MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, along with his team, is pinpointing the cellular targets for this vaccine, focusing on proteins present in early-stage ovarian cancer cells.
These targets will undergo laboratory testing, followed by human clinical trials involving individuals with BRCA gene mutations as well as healthy women, to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness in disease prevention.
“While we still have a long journey ahead, it’s an incredibly exciting time,” said Professor Ahmed. When asked if the vaccine could ultimately eliminate ovarian cancer, he responded affirmatively, “Absolutely – that would be the aim.”
Cancer Research UK is supporting this research with £600,000 over three years, and trial results are anticipated within the next four to five years.
Michelle Mitchell, the chief executive of Cancer Research UK, praised OvarianVax as a vital step forward in cancer prevention, building on the progress of vaccine technology made during the pandemic.
The vaccine could be especially advantageous for women with BRCA gene mutations, who are at a significantly elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Presently, women with these mutations are often advised to undergo ovary removal by the age of 35, leading to early menopause. Professor Ahmed believes this vaccine could provide a viable alternative, stating, “They wouldn’t then have to have their ovaries removed.”
In addition, the vaccine will be tested on women from the general population to evaluate its broader preventive capabilities. Although full approval may take several years, researchers are hopeful about its preliminary effects.
Ovarian cancer is a major public health issue, with approximately 7,500 new cases reported annually in the UK. This new vaccine could signify a significant advancement in long-term cancer prevention efforts.
