How can I benefit from cancer vaccines?
What are clinical trials?
Am I eligible for a cancer vaccine trial?
I think I am eligible what should
I do now?
What would being on a cancer vaccine trial involve?
Are there any costs in taking
part in a trial?
What are the side effects of cancer vaccines?
Will cancer vaccines affect my
outcome?
I'm
not eligible, what can I do?
I've still got some questions about cancer vaccines and the trials
How do I support the CVI to fight cancer with vaccines?
How Can I Benefit From Cancer Vaccines?
Research into cancer vaccine treatment is still in its infancy and unfortunately only a handful of patients can currently be offered this treatment through clinical trials. We are committed to raising funds to advance this research but it maybe many years before vaccines to treat all cancers become a routine part of treatment.
Medical research studies involving patients are called clinical trials. They aim to find new and better treatments for cancer. They are the only reliable way to test treatments to make sure they really do work better than other treatments being used already.
Am I Eligible For A Cancer Vaccine Trial?
The CVI is currently recruiting patients with melanoma stage IV receptive or non-receptive, Sarcoma, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, metastatic disease from any solid tumour including breast colorectal, or lung.
I Think I Am Eligible What Should I Do?
Contact your GP or oncology specialist for a referral. If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible please call our oncology research nurse on 0208 7250147.
What Would Being On A Cancer Vaccine Trial Involve?
All the trials funded by the CVI are out-patient based from St George's University of London Hospital , London. They require a visit every two weeks for the first 3-5 visits and thereafter every month for a small injection.
Are There Any Costs In Taking Part In A Trial?
No. Participation in Clinical Trials is free.
What Are The Side Effects Of Cancer Vaccines?
To date vaccines have been given to several thousand patients with no significant or adverse effects being reported. There can be some mild inflammation at the site of the injection mainly from the adjuvant used. Neither have they have not caused any serious auto-immunity problems.
Will Cancer Vaccines Affect My Outcome?
Most vaccine trials have reported signs of clinical benefit whether maintenance of static disease or just increase in expected survival. Current vaccines only rarely induce tumour regression. Although different types of vaccine seem to have differences in their effects on cancer, dendritic cell vaccines have been shown to have the best overall efficacy (about 10% of patients have some response). No vaccine is registered for use in cancer.
I'm Not Eligible For A Cancer Vaccine Trial What Can I Do?
There are lots of clinical trials taking place all over the country researching all different types of cancer treatments. To find out more talk to your GP or visit www.cancerbacup.org.uk who have a directory of clinical trials taking place in the UK and Europe.
I've Still Got Some Questions About Cancer Vaccines And The Trials?
Please email info@cancervaccine.org.uk. We regret that we are currently unable to respond to telephone enquiries. For general information and support visit www.cancerbacup.org.uk.
I'd Like To Get Involved In Supporting The CVI To Fight Cancer With Vaccines.
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