Lung Cancer Vaccine Tested In Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Doctors are working on a way to prevent cancer from coming back, in patients battling lung cancer. A clinical trial is already underway in the Bluff City.

In two weeks, another trial will open up and physicians are hopeful more people will come forward, and sign up.

Doctors are fighting back in a new way by using the body's own immune system, hoping to prevent it from spreading. Thousands are expected to sign up in what could be the largest trial ever conducted in lung cancer.

Rosie Robinson said she'll never forget September 9th, 2010. She woke up with a tickle in her throat. She coughed.

"There it was- blood. And I said hmmmm," said Robinson. "I did it about 5 or 6 more times and each time, it was blood."

She was rushed to the emergency room. An x-ray would reveal cancer at the top of her right lung. She remained optimistic. 14-years before, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"No amount of worry is going to change anything. Not one ounce of anything," said Robinson.

Instead, faith helped her walk this journey.

"At 83 years old, I claim I had faith, so that's what I'm depending on," said Robinson.

And this man, Dr. Matthew Ninan, a Thoracic Surgeon, at Baptist hospital, works on a national team to recruit more people to participate in clinical trials, for lung cancer treatment.

"Tennessee is one of the highest death rates from lung cancer in the country," said Ninan.

Ninan identified Robinson as one of the first candidates for this resurgence of immunotherapy vaccines, using the body's own immune system to fight off the cancer.

"If we build up their immune system, the chances of this coming back are going to be much less," said Ninan.

Ninan said vaccines are less toxic, compared to alternative treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation.

"In my situation, what else is there, since I couldn't have the usual treatment, the chemo and radiation, there will be nothing else," said Robinson.

Add to that, the ease of treatment. A single vaccine every few weeks, versus hours of waiting and the lower cost is another added benefit. Rosie Robinson is more than thankful for being chosen as a candidate for this treatment, and she encourages others to sign up.

"I definitely think they should give it a try," said Robinson.

If you are interested in finding out if you qualify for the trials, you can call the Mid-South Regional Thoracic Center.

Patients will be screened for roughly two years and the results of the trials should be available in 3 to 4 years.

The number is 901-259-4130.