A magic jab that kills – and prevents – brain cancer has been developed by scientists.
The new jab provides fresh hope to the thousands of Brits diagnosed with the deadly disease each year.
The new cancer vaccine could help cure and prevent the deadliest form of brain cancer
The treatment works by genetically editing cancer cells and transforming them into cancer killers and vaccines, to stop the disease from recurring.
In experiments, it worked on mice carrying cells derived from humans – mimicking what will happen in patients.
They had the deadliest form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.
The US team described the results as “promising”.
Study author Dr Khalid Shah, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said: “Using gene engineering, we are repurposing cancer cells to develop a therapeutic that kills tumour cells and stimulates the immune system to both destroy primary tumors and prevent cancer.”
Brain cancer is often incurable.
The norm is to do surgery, treat with harsh drugs – and hope for the best.
Millions of victims have included The Wanted star Tom Parker, President Biden’s son Beau, and author Mary Shelly.
Around 2,500 glioblastoma cases are diagnosed in the UK each year and only seven percent of patients survive.
The jab was safe, applicable and effective in the rodent models, suggesting a roadmap toward therapy.
The strategy may be applicable to a wider range of solid tumours. Further investigations are warranted, said Dr Shah.
What are the signs of brain cancer
Symptoms of brain cancer can vary depending on what part of the brain is affected. The NHS states that you may not immediately have symptoms but that symptoms can develop and become more severe over time.
1. Headaches
Headaches can be caused by a myriad of reasons, you could be dehydrated or even stressed.
Most of the time headaches can be fixed by pain killers, but if your headache is persistent or is getting worse, then this could be a sign of brain cancer.
2. Vomiting
If you are suffering with nausea and regular sickness is unexplained this could be a sign of brain cancer.
The NHS advises if you persistently feel sick or if you are consistently being sick and you feel drowsy you should see your GP.
3. Seizures
Seizures can often be a red flag you may have a brain tumour.
It is when you suffer an involuntary movement and are unable to control your arms or legs.
4. Weakness
Feeling weak is not unusual – if you haven’t eaten enough or have really exerted yourself you can feel a bit wobbly.
But feeling weak regularly despite being rested, eating well and with no other known reason is a warning sign of cancer you should get checked out.
5. Vision or speech problems
Speech problems and fuzzy vision can be signs of all sorts of conditions.
Too much booze, or feeling stressed or anxious could bring on these symptoms.
But it is often a red flag of a tumour – going to your optician or the GP is the next step if you’ve noticed a change.
6. Behaviour changes
It is common to feel many different moods and emotions throughout one day.
Generally stress or the task you are doing will be the cause, but if you have noticed a change in yourself or loved one that you can’t explain, it could be a sign of cancer.
The NHS says: “Mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality”, could be signs of breast cancer.”