Preventive Dendritic Cell vaccination for Lynch Syndrome (PREVENT-Lynch)
Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that gives people a higher lifetime risk of developing certain cancers, particularly bowel and womb cancer. Researchers in this early-stage clinical trial are testing a new preventive vaccine. The vaccine is personalised. It is made using a person's own immune cells, called dendritic cells. In a laboratory, these cells are trained to recognise abnormal proteins that Lynch-related cancer cells often produce. They are then given back to the participant as an injection. The goal is to teach the body to spot and clear away pre-cancerous cells before they can turn into tumours. Because this is a phase 1 and phase 2 study, it is the first time this vaccine is being tested in humans. The main goals are to check whether the vaccine is safe, monitor side effects, and see if it triggers an effective immune response.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Lynch syndrome is a condition that runs in families. People with Lynch syndrome have an alteration in one of their mismatch repair genes. These genes usually act like spellcheckers, repairing mistakes when cells divide and copy their DNA. When these genes do not work properly, mistakes build up, making it much more likely for abnormal cells to turn into cancer, especially in the bowel and womb.
At the moment, people with Lynch syndrome manage their cancer risk with regular screening tests, such as colonoscopies (camera checks of the bowel), healthy lifestyle choices, or sometimes preventive surgery. The PREVENT-Lynch trial is exploring a new approach: using a vaccine to stop cancer before it can even begin.
The experimental vaccine works by using dendritic cells, which act as the 'lookout' cells of your immune system. Doctors collect these cells from a blood sample, teach them in a laboratory to spot early warning signs of Lynch-related cancer, and inject them back into you. If the approach works, your trained immune system could quietly clear away abnormal cells before they ever become dangerous.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new preventive vaccine designed to stop cancer in people with Lynch syndrome.
- Uses your own immune cells, trained in a lab to spot pre-cancerous changes.
- Open to adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of Lynch syndrome.
- This is an early-stage study focusing primarily on safety and immune response.
- Taking part does not replace your normal routine cancer screening checks.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is for adults aged 18 and older who have a confirmed genetic diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Because the study is looking at cancer prevention, participants are generally expected to be free from active cancer at the time of joining.
To take part, you must be in reasonably good general health and able to attend the required hospital visits. People with serious medical conditions, active infections, or those taking medications that weaken the immune system (such as high-dose steroids) may not be able to join, because the vaccine relies on a functioning immune system.
The trial team will carry out a thorough health check to make sure the study is safe for you. This includes reviewing your medical history, running routine blood tests, and checking your genetic test results.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have had a genetic test confirming I have Lynch syndrome.
- I do not currently have active cancer.
- I am generally in good health and able to attend hospital appointments.
- I am not taking long-term medicines that suppress my immune system.
What does participation involve?
Taking part involves several steps over several months to a year or more. First, you will attend a screening appointment for health checks and blood tests. Next, you will have a procedure to collect some of your white blood cells. This is usually done with a blood-filtering machine similar to giving blood. The lab uses these cells to prepare your personalised vaccine. You will then receive a series of vaccine injections spaced over a set schedule. After each injection, the medical team will monitor you for any reactions. You will also have regular follow-up visits with blood tests and physical exams to track your health and measure how your immune system responds.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —UnverifiedNetherlands
Common questions
Is this vaccine a treatment for existing cancer?
No. This trial is testing a preventive vaccine designed to help stop cancer from developing, rather than treating a tumour that is already there.
Will having this vaccine replace my regular colonoscopies?
No. Even if you join the study, you must continue all your standard NHS screening tests, including regular colonoscopies, to protect your health.
Is the vaccine made from other people's cells?
No. The vaccine is personalised and made using your own immune cells, which are collected from your blood.
What does 'first administration to humans' mean?
It means this specific vaccine has only been tested in laboratory settings before now. Participants in this study will be among the first people to receive it, so doctors monitor safety very closely.
Do I have to pay to take part in this trial?
No. Clinical trial treatments are provided free of charge, and many trials offer support to cover your travel expenses for study visits.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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