HPV SCC reoccurrence vaccine trials.

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Just thought I’d mention this exciting trial taking place at Southampton Hospital.  Basically they’ve developed a mRNA based vaccine designed to prevent reoccurrence of HPV related head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, or to deal with or slow them down if they have reoccurred.

The primary objectives of the trial at this early stage are to a) establish what is a safe and tolerable dose of the new vaccine, and b) to explore its clinical effect in HPV-driven cancers and to assess if these clinical effects are linked with immune effects in the blood and tissue.

As I live not far away I’ve been approached to take part. They’ve analysed my tumour (which apparently was preserved in wax) and confirmed it’s the ‘right sort of SCC’. I now have to undergo blood tests and a CT scan to check I’m OK and then I can begin. 

During the trial I’ll  progress through an intra-patient dose escalation for a total of 8 vaccinations, comprising of 4 weekly vaccinations followed by 4 fortnightly vaccinations. During this time I may have to stay overnight for a period of 24 hours after the vaccination if I react badly. I will then be followed up for a period of 2 years, attending follow-up visits at regular intervals.

So basically I spend every Monday and Tuesday (and Wednesday if I react badly) in hospital for August followed by fortnightly visits for 4 sessions after that. In essence they give me bigger and bigger doses of the vaccine until I can’t tolerate it any more. 

To set some context, I’m 18 months post treatment following TORS and chemoradiation for tonsillar SCC affecting 1 lymph node. You’ll need to set aside a morning to read my rather lengthy profile if you want to know more! 

Progress reports to follow……