Monday, 08.02.2010
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.<br /><br />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<br /><br />Around 1,900 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually with 700 patients dying of the disease each year.<br /><br />Localised prostate cancer is currently treated with surgery and radiotherapy, but there are limited options for cures for those with secondary prostate cancer.<br /><br />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.