Dundee at the forefront of global cancer breakthrough as city leads Europe’s first personalised vaccine trial
- Andrew Batchelor
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Dundee has placed itself firmly on the global medical map after becoming the first city in Europe to deliver a personalised cancer vaccine to a patient as part of a pioneering international trial.
The groundbreaking treatment, overseen by experts at Ninewells Hospital and the University of Dundee, has been described as a potential “game changer” for cancer care worldwide.
The milestone was achieved in NHS Tayside, where a local clinical team administered the first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine in Europe.
The trial reflects years of research, innovation and collaboration within the city’s life sciences sector, reinforcing Dundee’s growing reputation as a centre for world-leading medical advances.
At the heart of the trial is Professor Russell Petty, director of research and development at NHS Tayside and professor of medical oncology at the University of Dundee.
He has overseen more than 150 trials over two decades and believes this latest development marks a major step towards highly tailored cancer treatment.
He said the approach reflects the understanding that cancer is not one single disease, but many different conditions that require individualised care.
Unlike traditional vaccines, which prevent disease, this treatment is created specifically for each patient using a biopsy of their tumour.
The technology builds on the mRNA advances developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing scientists to personalise treatments in ways that were not previously possible.
Around 80 patients worldwide are currently taking part in similar early-stage trials, but Dundee’s involvement places the city at the leading edge in Europe.
One of the first participants in the trial was a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal cancer in 2024. After undergoing major surgery and chemotherapy, she received the personalised vaccine every three weeks as part of the study.
Despite a difficult recovery, she is now cancer-free and has spoken of her pride in taking part in something that could help others in the future.
Professor Petty said carrying out such trials in Dundee benefits patients locally while contributing knowledge that could shape cancer treatment internationally.
He described it as “potentially a game changer” and said larger trials involving hundreds or thousands of patients would follow if results continue to be positive.
For a city long recognised for its contributions to science and medicine, this latest breakthrough strengthens Dundee’s position as a leader in precision healthcare.
From Ninewells Hospital to the University of Dundee’s medical school, the work being carried out in Tayside is not only transforming lives locally but helping to shape the future of cancer treatment across the world.
