Experimental Lung Cancer Vaccine Gives New Hope
MIAMI (CBS4) -- Hearing the words lung cancer often means a grim prognosis. But a new experimental vaccine is now giving hope to millions of patients all over the world.
Carol Terry went to her doctor for swollen ankles last year but after listening to her breathing, her physician ordered an X-ray.
"I had an extremely large tumor," said Terry.
Terry, who smoked for 45-years, had stage 2 lung cancer. She had surgery to remove the tumor then underwent four rounds of debilitating chemotherapy. Doctors then suggested she join a new vaccine trial to stop the cancer from coming back.
The experimental vaccine exposes the body to a protein that the tumor produces. That helps the body build up protection against the cancer that's attacking it.
"It's huge because it proves the concept of engaging the immune system in the fight against cancer and I can't tell you how important that is," said Dr. Nasser Altorki.
More than a million people die of lung cancer every year. Because there's no effective screening, most lung cancers are discovered at an advanced stage.
The vaccine doesn't prevent lung cancer; but it gives patients a new weapon against the disease.
"It changes completely the way we treat lung cancer, it's a game changer," said Dr. Altorki.
And since it has few side effects, patients are able to do more.
"My youngest grandchild is 11. She was in a parade so to see her dancing was wonderful and hopefully I'll be there to see her grow up," said Terry.
Early vaccine test results are promising. While it's still experimental, Terry is hopeful the vaccine will add years to her life.
More than 400 centers in 33 countries are taking part in the study, which is funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
