Irish scientists develop DNA-based cancer vaccine

A DNA-based vaccine which is shown to destroy secondary prostate cancer has been successful in animal trials in Cork, according to research published today.

Ireland has a higher incidence and death rate for prostate cancer than the UK. The rate of the cancer is expected to rise by 275% between 2000 and 2020 due to our ageing population

Around 1,900 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually with 700 patients dying of the disease each year.

Localised prostate cancer is currently treated with surgery and radiotherapy, but there are limited options for cures for those with secondary prostate cancer.

DNA vaccines seek out any remaining cancer cells that have migrated to other parts of the body and destroy them, after treatment of the original cancer.