00:00 it could mark a turning point for patients dealing with a relapse of their cancer.
00:04 Transgene's 40/50 vaccine is currently being tested for head and neck cancers.
00:10 The aim is to stop any comeback.
00:13 Already, preliminary results are encouraging.
00:17 It's been successfully tested on a sample of 16 patients.
00:22 What sets it apart is that it's tailor-made.
00:27 "The TGE 40/50 is unique for each patient.
00:30 We actually manufacture a vaccine that responds to the characteristics of each patient's tumour.
00:35 It even adapts to each patient's immune system."
00:38 Before the vaccine is administered, the tumour's genetic characteristics are analysed.
00:46 Using artificial intelligence, cancer specialists determine the 30 mutations, or neo-antigens,
00:52 that are most likely to induce an effective immune response,
00:56 prompting what are known as T-cells to step up their attack on cancer cells.
01:00 The result is a customised vaccine.
01:03 Currently, it's only being tested for recurrent head and neck cancers.
01:07 But it could prove to be a significant advance.
01:10 "It is highly conceivable that this technology could be applied to many cancers,
01:15 because these vaccines are tailor-made for an individual by searching for mutations
01:21 that are specific to each cancer."
01:24 The second test phase for the TGE 40/50 vaccine should start in the next few months.
01:29 But it could take years before it hits the market.
01:32 Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year.
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