New cancer vaccine: Doctor explains all you need to know

A doctor has explained more about the world’s first personalised mRNA cancer jab for melanoma, which is currently being tested in British patients.

Doctor Amir Khan described the vaccine as “positive news” as he discussed how it works when he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday (26 April).

Dr Khan said: “What is happening is the melanoma is being surgically removed and then it’s being analysed for something called neoantigens.

“The key thing here is the neoantigens are very specific to that cancer and that person. A bit like a cancer fingerprint.

“That vaccine is then made up using artificial intelligence and genetic technology given to the person and it primes their immune system to target any cells that are left behind.”