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……
Yes I had a look at this some months ago but I’m ineligible as I take a steroid asthma inhaler. Pants! Let us know how you get on.
I’ve replied but sometimes posts about trials get pounced on by the mods. Can you add this post to your profile please Mark
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi Markel Well done a friend of mine from Whitby has been making the journey down to a Southampton over last few months he’s been at the start of the trials. Because if the distance involved he was overnighting Monday to Friday in apartment p,provided by hospital.
We await your onwards and upwards
Hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
That is really interesting Hazel. How did he get on?
Hi Mark last time I saw him he was fine sayid eith staying away from home was tiring but him snd hus wife went down . I lol try ti contact him for an update we’re in north wales at minute.
Hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Which arm is he on Hazel.?
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi Dani Am unsure he started the injections last July that was last time we met up when we met Ken’and Sharon .I’ve emailed him this afternoon so when I hear from him will let you know. Usually it’s his wife who responds they run a cafe in Whitby so might take a day or 2 .
Hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
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