Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
02 December 2014 10:22
Scientists have high hopes for the experimental breast cancer vaccine
An experimental vaccine described as being "very encouraging" for future treatment could be the answer to slowing the progression of breast cancer.
The jab targets a protein found almost exclusively in breast tissue and in 80% of breast cancers - called mammaglobin-A.
How the study worked
A study of 14 women with advanced breast cancer, led by Professor William Gillanders from Washington University School of Medicine, found half of those who received the vaccine showed no sign of tumour growth one year after treatment.
The jab also had a positive biological effect in those with immune systems weakened by the disease and extended periods of chemotherapy treatment, prompting modestly longer progression-free survival.
People who have survived breast cancer can arrange breast cancer travel insurance when taking holidays or travelling to visit relatives.
Prof Gillanders describes the findings as "very encouraging" for the future of breast cancer treatment.
He hopes the vaccine means a larger number of patients can be treated with potentially fewer side effects.
In light of the positive research, plans are now in the pipeline for the scientists to follow up the small pilot trial with a larger study of newly diagnosed patients who should have stronger immune systems.
Prof Gillanders adds that the ability to target mammaglobin-A is particularly exciting because it is expressed broadly in up to four-fifths of breast cancers, as tumours produce it at abnormally high levels.
What Breakthrough Breast Cancer says
The results were described as "interesting" by the breast cancer charity.
Sally Greenbrook of Breakthrough said the research could lead to a vaccine to be used as part of prevention treatment. But she highlighted the small scale of the current trial, and underlined the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
12 December 2018
If you're worried about piling on the pounds this Christmas, regular home weighing could prevent you from excessive festive eating and drinking.
[more...]
11 December 2018
Airlines that automatically cancel return flights when passengers fail to show for their outbound journeys are being warned they risk breaking consumer law.
08 December 2018
Providing better conditions for disabled passengers is one of the main aims of a proposed new charter for airlines and airports.
07 December 2018
Women who don't attend cervical screenings should be offered testing kits they can use at home, new research suggests.
06 December 2018
Ryanair could be slapped with enforcement action from the airline regulator after it refused compensation for passengers hit by flight disruption caused by staff taking strike action.
05 December 2018
Protein supplements and muscle training could be the most effective ways to delay or reverse the effects of frailty, a new study suggests.
04 December 2018
Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane has helped create a new exhibition to raise awareness of the loneliness felt by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
01 December 2018
A leading charity has praised the actions of Lloyd Russell-Moyle, saying the Labour MP had "done everybody a service" by disclosing his HIV status.
30 November 2018
Sweating out the daily stresses in a sauna could be linked to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people aged 50 and over, according to a new study.
29 November 2018
Hitting the Copacabana could soon become a more realistic aim for holidaymakers, with Norwegian set to become the first budget airline to operate UK-Brazil flights.
28 November 2018
Holidaymakers on the UK's proposed new high-speed trainline could have their Amazon packages delivered directly to their seat, according to a train manufacturer.
27 November 2018
Over half of UK frontline medical staff worry their hospitals won't be able to keep patients safe this winter, according to an "alarming" new survey.