I hope it will benefit me and also help other people

GRANDAD IN CLINICAL TRIAL OF 'PERSONALISED VACCINE' THAT'S PRIMED TO ATTACK CANCER CELLS

- PAUL BRITTON

A GRANDFATHER with cancer has become one of the first patients in the UK to take part in a groundbreaking new clinical trial at The Christie in Manchester.

Richard Nelson, 73, has stage three bowel cancer, but now his immune system is being effectively trained to identify and attack any new cancerous cells.

It's hoped his new 'personalised' treatment - a series of injections - will prevent his cancer from returning.

Retired college vice-principal Mr Nelson, from Timperley, Trafford, has had surgery to remove a tumour, qualifying him for the trial. The trial treatment, two injections five minutes apart, is known as a 'vaccine.

DNA from cancer cells was found in Mr Nelson's blood, meaning his cancer would have a greater chance of coming back, consultants at the hospital said.

Usually, vaccines are designed to prevent disease - training a body's immune system to not get an infection. But in the case of the so-called cancer vaccines, they have been created as a treatment once someone has been diagnosed.