Cancer vaccines, a form of immunotherapy, help the patient’s immune system recognize and kill cancer cells.

These personalized vaccines are made by analyzing the patient's tumor with DNA sequencing, and sometimes AI, to create a tailored treatment.

The vaccines work by instructing the patient's cells to produce an antigen that targets cancer cells, stimulating the immune system to attack them.

While research is ongoing, these vaccines have shown promise in treating various cancers like colorectal, lung, bladder, pancreatic, and kidney cancers.

The world's first personalized mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma showed a significant reduction in cancer recurrence.

Currently, these vaccines are mainly accessible through clinical trials, as seen in the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad in England, which aims to enlist thousands of patients.

The first patient, Elliot Pfebve, received his personalized vaccine created using mRNA technology.

Though early results show promise, more data is needed to confirm long-term efficacy.

Cancer patients interested in participating can consult their GP for eligibility.