Guildford Charity Launches £250,000 Campaign for Prostate Cancer Vaccine

A significant initiative aimed at developing a prostate cancer vaccine is set to launch in September 2023. The Prostate Project, a volunteer-led charity based in Guildford, is embarking on a campaign to raise £250,000 for this groundbreaking research. The goal is to create a vaccine capable of preventing the recurrence of prostate cancer in men who have undergone a radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland.

This research comes at a crucial time, as cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising area of study. It is estimated that this new treatment could save the lives of more than 1,500 men annually in the UK alone. The Prostate Project operates from the Stokes Centre for Urology at Royal Surrey County Hospital and has a strong history of funding research and treatments for prostate cancer, raising over £11 million since its inception in 1998.

Research Collaboration and Innovations

The charity’s latest initiative supports the ongoing work of Dr. Nicola Annels and Dr. Guy Simpson, who lead a renowned team at the University of Surrey. This team is well-regarded for its contributions to immunotherapy research, acknowledged both nationally and internationally. A patent has already been applied for the new vaccine, with Dr. Simpson having previously demonstrated its efficacy in treating bladder cancer. The current research aims to evaluate its effectiveness in prostate cancer patients.

Dr. Guy Simpson, Research Fellow in Oncology at the University of Surrey, elaborated on the project, stating, “The research will focus on a ‘prime-boost’ vaccine strategy. The new cancer-killing virus, known as HSV5-15, developed by our team, will serve as an immune ‘priming’ vaccine, alongside a prostate-specific mRNA vaccine to enhance and sustain the immune response against prostate cancer.”

mRNA vaccines have gained attention recently for their success in combating COVID-19, and this technology shows promise for treating cancer as well. The vaccine aims to train the body’s immune system to identify and eliminate returning cancer cells, thereby lowering the risk of recurrence post-surgery.

Each year, around 5,000 radical prostatectomies are performed in the UK. Unfortunately, between 20% and 50% of these patients experience a return of cancer, which often necessitates further treatments like radiotherapy or hormone therapy. These additional therapies can be expensive, time-consuming, and may come with adverse side effects, not to mention that they are not always fully effective.

Fundraising Efforts and Community Involvement

Martin Davies, Chairman of the Prostate Project, emphasized the importance of this fundraising initiative, stating, “For over 25 years, the Prostate Project has proudly supported a team recognized for their work in immunology research. This latest initiative is perhaps the most critical yet. We aim to raise £250,000, a target we view as ambitious yet entirely achievable, especially given our previous successes and the potential impact of the outcome.”

The funds raised will support the initial 18-month research phase, with Dr. Simpson noting that additional funding could significantly expedite the research timeline.

For those interested in contributing to this important cause, the Prostate Project’s website, www.prostate-project.org.uk, offers a comprehensive FAQ page that addresses common questions about the vaccine and provides details on how to donate.

This ambitious project not only highlights the potential for innovative cancer treatment but also underscores the importance of community support in advancing medical research. As the Prostate Project moves forward, it aims to bring hope to many affected by prostate cancer, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field.