05/02/2010

Prostate Cancer Breakthrough By Cork Researchers

Cork researchers have revealed they have created a vaccine that could be used to protect against prostate cancer.

The Cork Cancer Research Centre at University College Cork published their findings today in the Genetic Vaccines and Therapy journal, saying they have identified DNA vaccines that are able to target and destroy cancer cells.

The project is halfway through a process that is estimated to take up to 15 years to complete.

Prostate cancer affects around 1,900 men each year in Ireland and is the second most common form of cancer diagnosed in men.

Some 900 men die of the disease each year.

Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Centre at UCC have been working to develop DNA vaccines that activate the immune system against prostate cancer - they say they have created vaccines that have been highly successful in animal trials.

It is hoped that human clinical trials will get under way next year.

(DW/BMcC)

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