Researchers from the University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford are set to launch the world’s first experimental vaccine aimed at preventing lung cancer. The clinical trial, named LungVax, will begin in summer 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Supported by a grant of up to £2.06 million from Cancer Research UK and the CRIS Cancer Foundation, this groundbreaking study targets individuals at high risk of developing the disease.
The phase I trial will focus on determining the optimal dosage of the LungVax vaccine for participants who are at elevated risk for lung cancer. The research will also monitor any potential side effects associated with different doses. Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani, co-founder and lead investigator from the UCL Cancer Institute, emphasized the urgent need for advancements in lung cancer treatment, noting that fewer than 10% of patients survive more than ten years post-diagnosis.
Jamal-Hanjani stated, “That must change, and that change will come from targeting lung cancer at the earliest stages.” She added that the LungVax trial is a crucial step in providing preventative measures for those at highest risk. While acknowledging that preventative vaccines cannot replace smoking cessation as the primary way to reduce lung cancer risk, she believes they could offer a significant avenue for preventing the disease altogether.
The LungVax vaccine operates by delivering genetic instructions to the immune system. These instructions enable the body to identify and target specific proteins, known as neoantigens and tumour-associated antigens, which are present on the surface of abnormal lung cells during early cancer formation. The vaccine’s technology, developed by the University of Oxford during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to train the immune system to recognize and eliminate these abnormal cells before they progress to cancer.
Co-founder Professor Sarah Blagden from the University of Oxford highlighted the urgent need for effective lung cancer prevention strategies. “Lung cancer is lethal and blights far too many lives,” she remarked. “Years of research into the biology of cancer, understanding the fundamental changes which occur in the very earliest stages of the disease, will now be put to the test.”
In its initial phase, the trial will recruit participants diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer who have successfully undergone surgery but are at risk of recurrence. Additionally, the study will include individuals undergoing lung cancer screening as part of the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme in England. Should initial results prove positive, the vaccine could advance to larger-scale trials, potentially benefiting a broader population at risk for lung cancer.
Each year, approximately 48,500 new lung cancer cases are reported in the United Kingdom, with around 72% attributed to smoking—the leading preventable cause of cancer worldwide.
Graeme Dickie, a 55-year-old from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, is assisting the researchers in preparing for the LungVax clinical trial. Dickie was diagnosed with stage II lung cancer in 2013, which progressed to stage IV by 2017. Despite never having smoked, he has undergone significant treatments, including surgery and over 80 rounds of chemotherapy, along with a current targeted treatment drug, mobocertinib.
Reflecting on his experience, Dickie stated, “I am proof that research saves lives. I have been able to enjoy many more happy years with my family thanks to scientists working hard, year after year, to bring new tests and treatments.” Although he recognizes he may not directly benefit from LungVax, he believes his story will contribute to better interventions for others in the future.
The LungVax project is also gaining attention through media coverage. Co-founder Professor Blagden will feature in the first episode of “Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures,” a documentary series airing on Channel 4. This program, produced in partnership with Cancer Research UK, explores innovative research projects that could transform cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the LungVax trial, stating, “We want to see a world where more cancers are prevented.” She believes that a growing understanding of cancer biology presents new opportunities to combat the disease effectively.
The LungVax clinical trial represents a significant step forward in lung cancer research, paving the way for future advancements in early detection and prevention strategies for this devastating disease.
