New cancer vaccine trial could offer hope for head and neck cancer patients in the Bay
More than 100 people with advanced head and neck cancer in England, including those living in the Bay, are being fast-tracked to match into a trial of a new cancer vaccine, as the NHS expands its world-leading trial matchmaking service.
The investigational cancer vaccine uses mRNA technology to help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells containing human papillomavirus proteins. The trial will be run at 15 NHS hospitals during the next year, including Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, and is supported by the NHS’ Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP).
More than 11,000 new head and neck cancer cases are diagnosed in England every year, with cancers typically developing in the mouth, throat or voice box. Despite advances in care for patients with head and neck cancer, the advanced form of the disease is difficult to treat and has high rates of recurrence, with two-year survival rates at under 50%.
The investigational cancer vaccine is designed to encode two proteins that are frequently found in head and neck squamous cell cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV-16), the most common type of head and neck cancer (accounting for 95% of these types of cancers), with the vaccine training the immune system to fight the cancer.
This is an incredibly exciting and important development in how we could treat this type of cancer and has the potential to transform how we deliver care and people’s outcomes, offering renewed hope of holding the disease at bay.
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We are inviting people from across Torbay and South Devon to help shape our future by taking part in a short survey.
Joe Teape, Chief Executive, said: “Following the launch of the 10-year health plan for England earlier this year, we are refreshing our organisational strategy.
“We’ve already made great strides—integrating health and social care, investing in digital innovation, and building stronger community partnerships. But we know there’s more to do.
“We want our strategy to be shaped by the people we serve and the people who deliver care every day. Whether you’ve used our services, work alongside us, or live in the area, please take a few minutes to share your views.
“This survey is your chance to tell us what matters to you, what needs to change, and how we can work together to build a brighter future for everyone in Torbay and South Devon.”
The survey runs until midnight on 07 September 2025. We want you to tell us what matters most to you, what you think we should focus on, and how our services can be improved to meet the needs of you and our communities.
Share your views on our online survey.