London, Thanasis Gavos

Scientists at the University of Oxford have announced that they are developing the world’s first vaccine to treat ovarian cancer.

They noted that the vaccine could “eliminate” the specific form of cancer.

The vaccine, called Ovarian Vax, works by ‘teaching’ the immune system to recognize early stage cancer cells and attack them.

The researchers hope that when it is ready, the vaccine can be approved for use by the British NHS, as has been done with the HPV vaccine against the human papilloma virus, which is given at a young age and has led to a dramatic reduction in cases of breast cancer. cervix.

Researchers are still studying which proteins on the surface of early ovarian cancer cells are easier for the immune system to identify so that the vaccine can target them. They will then conduct clinical trials mainly in women with an increased risk of developing this particular cancer to see if the vaccine can even prevent the appearance of the tumor.

At this time, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, as symptoms, such as bloating and loss of appetite, can be explained by various other causes.

Every year they are recorded about 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United Kingdom.

Asked if the vaccine could eradicate the disease, Oxford lead researcher Ahmed Ahmed said optimistically: “Absolutely, that would be the goal. We still have a long way to go, but we’re excited. I personally am very optimistic.”