Yorkshire scientists work to produce vaccine against deadly skin cancer

There are around 1,500 cases each year of the skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) which arises from the uncontrolled growth of skin cells.

It typically develops on sun-exposed areas as a firm, painless red-coloured bump which grows over several weeks and months, usually in people aged over 65 with weakened immune systems. A third of the cases prove fatal.

About 80 per cent of cancers contain a virus believed to be linked to the growth of the cancer.

Now scientists at Leeds University have uncovered new evidence explaining why the cancer is not recognised by the body's immune system.

In research funded by the charity Yorkshire Cancer Research, they plan to produce skin cells that have features of the cancer.

They will use the synthetic cancer cells, along with real ones from patient samples, to analyse the reactions of human immune cells against them. The aim is to increase knowledge about the body's ability to eliminate the cells which will help in developing a vaccine.

Prof Eric Blair, who is leading the project, said: "Since a virus is involved in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma skin cancer it is important to understand how the virus prevents the immune system attacking the MCC tumour.

"We are aiming to develop strategies to prevent or eradicate tumours and improve the prognosis of patients who suffer with this terrible skin disease which is currently extremely poor."