Researchers at the University of Oxford are developing OvarianVax, a vaccine aimed at training the immune system to detect early signs of ovarian cancer.
A research team at the University of Oxford has received funding to work on a potential ovarian cancer vaccine.
The vaccine, called OvarianVax, is being designed to train the immune system to detect and target the earliest signs of ovarian cancer. Over the next three years, Cancer Research UK will provide up to £600,000 to fund the project.
Professor Ahmed Ahmed, the director of the university's ovarian cancer cell laboratory, mentions that they still have "a long way to go" but he is "optimistic." The scientists will work on developing the vaccine in the lab with the goal of training the immune system to recognize proteins on the surface of ovarian cancer cells, known as tumour-associated antigens. After this initial phase, they will begin testing the vaccine on patients who have the disease.
"The idea is, if you give the vaccine, these tiny tumours will hopefully either reduce, shrink really significantly, or disappear," said Prof Ahmed.
In the following phase, the team intends to involve women who carry genetic mutations that heighten their risk of developing ovarian cancer, along with a wider group of women who do not have any known health issues, to assess the vaccine's potential to prevent the disease.
Read next
12:20
Retail sales decline
UK retail sales unexpectedly fell 0.3% in December, following a revised 0.1% rise in November. The decline, driven by weak food sales, adds to concerns about the economy and raises expectations for a Bank of England interest rate cut next month.
18:06
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a landmark 100-year partnership to strengthen security ties and bilateral relations. The agreement reaffirms the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing challenges.
10:02
Britain’s Minister for Financial Services, Tulip Siddiq, has resigned amid growing scrutiny over her financial ties to her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and allegations of corruption. The resignation marks a setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.
10:37
UK
Heathrow Airport sets record with 84M passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Investments in modern facilities drive growth as 2025 aims for 84.2M passengers.
19:02
UK - Ukraine
The UK has pledged 30,000 drones to Ukraine under a £45M contract to boost uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment