Cancer patient proud of role in vaccine trial

2 hours ago

Julia BrysonYorkshire

News image — The cancer vaccine trial uses mRNA technology alongside immunotherapy

Getty Images A gloved hand holds up a vial of the mRNA vaccine against a blue background. — The cancer vaccine trial uses mRNA technology alongside immunotherapy

A cancer patient has spoken of his pride in being involved in a major clinical trial to test personalised vaccines in a bid to help stop the disease returning.

Richard Oldale, 42, from Bradford, is part of the AHEAD-MERIT study being run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in Leeds.

The vaccine uses mRNA technology to prime the immune system to recognise and destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of it coming back.

Oldale, who was diagnosed with advanced cancer after experiencing pain in his shoulder in July 2024, said taking part in the trial had been "brilliant".

Speaking about his experience with the trial, he said: "I am delighted with the support I received from the team in Leeds, everyone in the clinical and research team have been wonderful.

"Having the opportunity to take part in the trial has been brilliant, I am very thankful."

He added: "I really hope my contribution to the trial will give people in the future a chance of better treatment. Being part of something that could help improve future cancer therapies means a great deal to me."

NIHR Richard Oldale, 42, from Bradford with his fiancée Chrystelle - they are stood in front of a building and some parked cars, smiling — Richard Oldale, from Bradford, pictured with his fiancee, was put forward for the trial after being diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancer

The NIHR, which is primarily based in the Bexley Wing at St James's University Hospital, is now inviting people with head and neck cancer to join the trial.

Professor Chris Twelves, clinical director at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust NIHR Leeds CRF and Professor of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Oncology at the University of Leeds said: "This investigational cancer vaccine works by training the immune system to fight the cancer, which could be transformational for patients by slowing spread of the cancer and hopefully controlling their disease for longer.

"Thanks to the trust's extensive team of clinical researchers and clinicians, we're proud to now be a lead trial site for this innovative trial in people with advanced head and neck cancer.

"We are now working closely with our NHS partners across the region to ensure that suitable patients, like Richard, who are eligible for the trial have the opportunity to access these cutting-edge therapies right here in Leeds."

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