Vaccine hope for genetic disorder with cancer risk

Scientists at the University of Oxford are aiming to develop a vaccine for people with a genetic condition that increases their risk of a number of cancers.

Lynch syndrome is caused by a mutation in the gene that fixes errors in DNA when it is copied, which can lead to uncontrolled growth in cells.  People who have the condition have a higher risk of developing cancers of the womb, ovaries and bowel.

Around 1,100 cases of bowel cancer in England each year are caused by Lynch syndrome and the condition is believed to increase the lifetime risk of the disease by around 80 per cent.

Researchers from the university could potentially design a vaccine that teaches the immune system of someone with the disorder to recognise and destroy cells before they develop into cancer.

As part of the project, known as LynchVax, scientists will analyse cells from patients with Lynch syndrome that are showing signs of becoming cancerous.  They will use their findings to determine which parts of a pre-cancer cell can be attacked by the immune system and if a vaccine approach is likely to work.

Simon Leedham, honorary consultant gastroenterologist and professor of molecular genetics, said people with Lynch syndrome get invited to attend bowel screening at a younger age due to the high risk.

He explained “LynchVax has the potential to reduce that risk.  While our work is in its infancy, we are excited by the prospect of a vaccine that can potentially be used to prevent the multiple types of cancer that typically occur in people with Lynch syndrome and deliver tangible improvements in survival.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events including cases involving delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

If you or a relative have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence lawyers on the freephone number below or e-mail us.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382