A new DNA vaccine for prostate cancer

In a nutshell

The aim of this project is to develop a new treatment for advanced prostate cancer. The scientists are developing a DNA vaccine in a protective coat, which can be applied as a patch to the skin for painless and efficient delivery. 

Why we funded it

Advanced prostate cancer is very difficult to treat and as yet there are few treatment options. This project proposes a new DNA vaccine, a specific sequence of DNA that makes the same protein that is expressed on the surface of cancer cells. This triggers the body's immune response against the 'foreign' vaccine-produced protein, and also the cancer cells where the same protein is expressed.

Scientists hope that this strategy may go some way towards filling the treatment gap. Previous studies have shown that DNA vaccines are an effective way of stimulating the body's own immune response to fight cancer.

Grant information

Institution - Queen's University, Belfast
Researcher - Dr Helen McCarthy
Grant award - £97,970
Duration - 2013-2016
Reference - S12-006 McCarthy