Experts, including Professor Gareth Griffiths and Dr. Heather Shaw, have expressed optimism about the trial's potential to provide access to new, life-saving treatments for advanced melanoma patients.

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, welcomed the trial expansion, noting the increasing incidence of melanoma skin cancer in the UK and the importance of innovative treatment options.

This innovative vaccine targets specific biomarkers on melanoma tumors, stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells while creating an immune memory to reduce the chances of recurrence.

Objectives of the trial include assessing the effectiveness of the vaccines in improving treatment outcomes, extending the duration of immunotherapy effectiveness, and monitoring side effects.

Patient Paul Thomas, who has been battling skin cancer since 2017, expressed optimism about the new vaccine and its possibility for total cancer eradication rather than mere remission.

Dr. Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK stressed the importance of diverse cancer vaccine research, given the wide range of cancer types and the need for targeted treatments.

The NHS has launched a new initiative to fast-track hundreds of skin cancer patients into trials for a groundbreaking needle-free vaccine called iSCIB1+, aimed at boosting the immune system against melanoma.

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 17,500 new cases diagnosed each year, yet only about 50% of patients respond to traditional immunotherapy treatments.

The first referrals for skin cancer patients to participate in the trials are expected next month, following a partnership between the NHS and Scancell.

Developed by UK life-sciences company Scancell, the iSCIB1+ vaccine is administered through a high-pressure jet device, allowing for a needle-free delivery over a period of up to two years.

NHS national cancer director Professor Peter Johnson highlighted the potential of cancer vaccines to transform patient care and save lives, aiming to expand vaccine access across various cancer types.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the trial as a demonstration of the UK's commitment to accelerating clinical trials and fostering medical research innovation.