Finally, the reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions, Bianca Belair and Naomi have been dethroned by WWE Judgment Day members Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on Monday Night RAW on Netflix. Following the win, Morgan took to X, formerly Twitter, to share her excitement. She responded to the win in nine words: “THE GREATEST WOMEN[‘]S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS […]
The post WWE’s Liv Morgan breaks silence after RAW championship win appeared first on ClutchPoints.
HOLLYOAKS star Nikki Sanderson has been spotted for first time since quitting the soap.
The Sun revealed last week that Nikki was leaving the soap and had filmed her final scenes, with fans now speculating that she could rejoin rival soap Coronation Street.
And now Nikki, XX, has been seen in public for the first time since quitting the soap opera amid rampant speculation.
Seen out and about in casual attire, Nikki was all smiles as she was snapped after working out at the gym.
Nikki could be seen rocking some black leggings, a black Adidas jacket some white trainers and some sunglasses.
She was spotted with Emmerdale actor Antony Quinlan, whom she has been dating for three years.
Nikki wore her brunette locks tied up and off of her face, with her long tresses in a high ponytail atop her head.
This comes after insiders revealed that Nikki decided to quit Hollyoaks so she can “explore other opportunities”.
The Bury-born beauty is currently portraying Maxine Minniver in the hit soap, and has been at the helm of the role since 2012.
A source told The Sun last week: “She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she’d just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.
“She’s keen to explore other opportunities and is excited to get back out there.
“Bosses have been plotting Maxine’s exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.”
The source added: “She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May.”
Before Nikki joined Hollyoaks in 2012, she had starred in rival soap opera Coronation Street.
For 397 episodes, Nikki played the role of Candice Stowe.
Nikki was a fixture on the cobbles from 1999 until 2005 and was introduced to the show as Sarah Platt‘s best friend from school.
Fans of Nikki now reckon she might be jumping ship from Hollyoaks to head back to Corrie.
Reacting to the news of Nikki’s departure from the Channel 4 soap, fans flocked to an online forum to discuss.
One fan wrote: “She’ll be back in Corrie by end of the year.”
Another penned: “I agree with the other comments and think she will leave to go back to Corrie.”
While third penned: “Brilliant news. No character has had their day as much as Maxine.
“Would welcome a Candice return in Corrie.”
THIS year marks a decade since One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus, promising fans they hoped to reunite at some point in the near future.
But they declined the opportunity to get back together in honour of their late bandmate Liam Payne at next month’s Brit Awards and The Sun can now reveal the team behind Harry Styles strongly oppose a return to the group.
He has become the breakout superstar from the band and has carved out a carefully manicured image away from some of the group’s cheesy music.
It has led his team to rule out working with Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.
They believe it would not make financial sense for the foreseeable future, as he could risk losing the kudos he has built up in the industry.
A music insider said: “Thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears have gone into making Harry a superstar and he has spent a decade getting to a place of respect and legitimacy in the music business.
“He has won awards and hit new heights away from the band. Any return would be a major step back.
“Harry knows it already but his team have been very clear that it would be a bad idea at any point in the foreseeable future.
“Everyone from Stevie Nicks to Shania Twain has praised Harry as a solo star and plaudits like that aren’t easy to earn.
“Reunions can often be seen as a cash grab too. It would just look like he has lost faith in his solo career if he bowed out to do something which he knows will be an easy earner in the short term.
“They had amazing success as a group as youngsters, but it’s a different climate for boybands now and even they might struggle with new music.”
A second source added: “At the height of their fame in 2014 they played three sold out shows at Wembley Stadium which was huge at the time.
“But Harry has reached new levels with his solo stardom and he did six nights at the same venue on his last tour.
“It would make no sense financially for him to reunite with them on a tour where he’d then have to split the profits four ways.
“Acts don’t just tour for fun. It’s a job at the end of the day, so you’ve got to think about the money.”
Hopes had been raised recently after all four members came together for Liam’s funeral.
It was the first time they had been in the same room since Zayn dramatically quit the band in March 2015.
He has won awards and hit new heights away from the band. Any return would be a major step back
Music insider
Last month it was also revealed Louis was back in regular contact with Zayn, and he attended the latter’s show in Los Angeles.
Weeks earlier, hundreds of fans had raced to buy tickets for next week’s Brit Awards amid a rumour that the group would be on stage paying tribute to Liam.
But that has now been ruled out, with the Brits saying they will honour him in another way.
When it was originally revealed that the group were “taking a break” in 2015, they insisted it was only temporary.
Niall said at the time: “Ok so Lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year.”
Now bookies are taking bets on a reunion with “at least three members” — acknowledging that Harry is unlikely to ever return — with odds of 4/1 of that taking place this year.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “We’re refusing to rule out a sensational and emotional 1D reunion at some point this year.”
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
A SICK teenager defended paedophiles and threatened to mutilate his sister in a string of vile videos before murdering his family.
Nicholas Prosper shot dead Juliana Falcon, 48, Kyle Prosper, 16, and 13-year-old Giselle Prosper at their home in Luton in September last year.
In a series of vile videos seen by The Sun – which we have decided not to share – sick Prosper defends paedophiles and necrophilia.
The videos were uploaded by the teen – who used a pseudonym – to a website where vile sickos watch video footage of people dying.
In the clip, Prosper argues in favour of legalising paedophilia. He also defends necrophilia – sexual attraction and obsession with a dead body.
In the horrific footage, Prosper said he “can’t think of any arguments against it” and added “take me to the morgue”.
The videos have all since been deleted.
One clip saw Prosper threaten violent revenge against his 13-year-old sister Giselle over her actions on a computer game.
Just hours later, he committed the massacre of his own family.
Wearing a yellow bucket hat and a black t-shirt Prosper said: “On June 30, my sister decided to make the incorrect choices on episode one of season one of The Walking Dead games, and for that her face will be mutilated further than necessary.”
Prosper said he was “chosen” to protect a fictional character called Clementine in the zombie video game, in a sign he struggled to differentiate between the real world and make-believe.
The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of murder at Luton Crown Court on Monday.
The family shooting unfolded on September 13, 2024 at a flat on Wauluds Bank Drive.
Police swarmed the home at around 5.30am following “welfare concerns”.
After murdering his family, the teen was stopped by officers near his home as he planned to carry out the massacre.
Police also discovered a loaded shotgun discovered in bushes nearby alongside more than 30 cartridges.
It was also revealed that Prosper had been plotting a school shooting but was foiled by cops.
Det Ch Insp Sam Khanna, from Bedfordshire Police, said “fortunately Prosper was apprehended before he could cause any further harm”.
He continued: “This was a truly tragic and shocking case in which three innocent members of the same family have been brutally killed by their son and brother.”
“No words can fully describe the tragedy their loved ones have experienced, and our thoughts continue to be with them at this difficult time.
“We are pleased that Prosper has pleaded guilty and will not put his family through the pain of a trial, and that he will soon face a significant jail sentence.”
Prosper is on remand at HMP Peterborough, but he appeared for the hearing yesterday which lasted less than 10 minutes.
He wore a black t-shirt, dark trousers and black rimmed glasses as he entered his pleas.
The 19-year-old sat with his arms folded when he entered the dock.
As well as admitting the three murders, he pleaded guilty to purchasing or acquiring a shotgun without a certificate, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing an article with a blade or point.
He is due to be sentenced on March 5.
A MICHELIN-guide restaurant run by a family whose 17th-century mansion was featured in the new Bridget Jones film has closed.
The Petersham in Covent Garden was launched six years ago by the Bolgione family who also own Michelin star eatery La Goccia – which has also shut.
Both restaurants are nestled in the popular tourist spot in the capital, but according to the owners neither could fair with the “unsustainably high costs”.
The Petersham, which shared a terrace with La Goccia was known for its exciting Italian food and lavish interior, which referenced its owners horticultural heritage, it was a hub for food-lovers and tourists.
In Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Renée Zellweger’s character and her new love interest Roxster (Leo Woodhall) enjoy a flirtatious conversation at the Georgian-style house.
The Bolgione family added that they were anxious about the “looming impact of the recent Budget”.
In her October 2024 budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves increased national insurance contributions for employers and increased minimum wage.
Critics of the budget argued that this would increase costs for businesses, but Reeves insisted at the time that the move would support workers and stabilise the economy.
The Italian restaurant also said that two other major events caused them to close.
They said they decided to put their shutters down due to years of “significant cost challenges” caused by “covid and Brexit”.
They told the Telegraph that they were unable to “recruit people with the right experience and skills” after Britain left the EU, adding to their business woes.
The Bolgione family launched their Petersham Nurseriers brand from their 17th century mansion Petersham House.
Petersham Nurseries took shape in 2002 and evolved into three beloved London restaurants: The Petersham, La Goccia and Petersham Nurseries Restaurant in Richmond.
The Richmond location, also has a teahouse serving wholesome seasonal food and has won the Michelin Green Star – for the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability.
This comes after the creator of another Michelin-backed restaurant was forced to close after 14 years in service.
Manchester based 63 Degrees sparked rumours of potential trouble when they turned away customers across the festive period last year.
A notice at the restaurant revealed they would be closed until January 11, but this was extended to January 30.
And, it was radio silence from the venue from then on, with their online booking page “temporarily offline”.
Founder Alexandre Moreau finally revealed earlier this week that his father, the Head Chef, and mother returned to France for health reasons.
Food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
A HUGE multi-million project is set to revamp a number of UK seaside towns in the UK as well an abandoned woodland.
As part of the East Lindsey Investment Fund, the £7.8million scheme will improve a number of areas across Lincolnshire.
One of the main improvements includes new tourist activities at Sutton on Sea, as well as better parking options and infrastructure.
Named as one of the best places to live by the Sunday Times last year, the seaside town is already undergoing an number of improvements, which started back in 2023.
This includes a new £7.5million “beachfront cultural hub” with restaurant, lodges and art galleries that which is currently under construction.
But the new plans include another £1.8million for tourism upgrades, as well as more beautiful street furniture, signs and shop fronts.
East Lindsey’s biggest seaside town, Skegness, is also undergoing some improvements including a better car park to cope with the busy summer season.
The new scheme also includes the purchase of Harrison Woodlands.
The 483-acre abandoned ancient woodlands dates was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, making it one of the few surviving ancient woods in the UK.
However, it closed to the public back in 2023 and remains badly damaged and closed to the public.
Being bought by The Woodland Trust, the improvements will see the removal of dead trees and restoring the woods with new pathways before opening as an attraction again.
They explained on their website: “By removing invasive species like rhododendron, we’ll encourage a wide range of woodland indicator flowers like wood anemone, woodruff and bluebells to return.
“We’ll also remove large areas of trees severely affected by ash dieback. Installing deer fencing will allow for natural regeneration to take hold.
“As restoration progresses, we’re confident that warblers and breeding birds including great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper and tree sparrow will return to Harrison Woodlands.”
It hopes to reopen next year.
Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that we can make this incredible investment into East Lindsey and its residents, businesses and visitors, supporting an array of fantastic projects and initiatives across an unprecedented number of themes and priorities.
“The awarding of these funds is just the start though.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with our local communities in the months and years ahead to make these ideas a reality, and to establish East Lindsey as a wonderful tourist destination, as a flourishing economy and, most importantly, a place to call home.”
If you fancy owning your own part of Lincolnshire, you could even buy part of Skegness beach.
Four plots of the beach are currently on sale, for as little as £50,000.
Of course that’s for the smaller section, with the larger 3.5 acre site costing around £250,000.
But if you manage to splash out on it all, you could own a whopping 83.7 acres of the beach.
Can’t quite stretch to that? You can instead stay at Butlin’s new £12million holiday lodges which opened last summer.
And one mum explained why Skegness is a great staycation for kids.
THE Taliban have bizarrely claimed the arrest of a British couple in Afghanistan was due to a “misunderstanding.”
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were arrested on 1 February on their way back home to the Bamiyan province.
The Taliban said today that the couple were detained due to a “misunderstanding” that they had fake Afghan passports.
It comes after the group said on Monday was aiming to release the Brits “as soon as possible”.
Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani told the BBC: “A series of considerations is being taken into account, and after evaluation, we will endeavour to release them as soon as possible.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
NEW Look made the headlines this week after announcing the closure of 26 Ireland stores, along with talks of the retailer facing liquidation.
Following the shut down of its site for most of Monday, New Look has returned with a huge 50% off clearance sale across hundred of lines.
New Look 50% off sale
While it’s unclear yet whether the retailer is set to shut down the website for good, prices have been slashed to as little as £2.60.
Shoppers can currently save big across jackets, dresses and knitwear, so it’s no surprise that pieces are selling out seriously fast.
To save fashion fans from endless scrolling through the site, we’ve rounded up the best live deals on the site right now, but we’re not expecting them to stay in stock for long.
New Look Soft Knit Sweater Vest, £10 (was £19.99)
Sweater vests are perfect for transitional dressing as they can be worn alone or layered with tops and blouses.
New Look’s on-trend version comes in three neutral tones to pair with everything from satin maxi skirts to jeans and blouses, featuring a round neck and side slits.
The knitted number is reduced by 50% making it just £10, but it’s already sold out in one colourway.
New Look Leather-Look Biker Jacket, £32.24 (was £42.99)
Everyone needs a classic black biker jacket in their capsule wardrobe, and New Look’s £32 version ticks all the boxes.
The leather-look jacket features a relaxed fit with notch lapels and an asymmetric zipped front, finished with silver-toned hardware.
A staple for every season, the bargain style is reduced by 25%.
New Look Crew Neck Cardigan, £17.99 (was £29.99)
Fashion fans can save 40% on the retailer’s everyday crew neck cardigan.
The buttermilk yellow shade is perfect for spring styling, but it also comes in 10 other colours including blue, yellow and beige.
The knit’s lightweight design is finished with delicate ribbed trims, and it can be thrown on with jeans, dresses and skirts.
New Look Fur-Lined Print Trim Slippers, £11 (was £19.99)
New Look’s dupes of the Ugg Tasman’s have been slashed by an impressive 45% in the sale.
The slippers feature a cosy faux fur lining with padded cushioning, finished with an abstract print trim that resembles the designer version.
New Look Leopard Print Coat, £35 (was £79)
Leopard print pieces are still trending, and this high street longline coat is reduced by more than 50%.
The longline silhouette is perfect for pairing with wide-leg trousers and denim for an instantly elevated look – but the coat has very limited stock.
New Look Ruched Maxi Dress, £20.80 (was £26)
New Look’s ruched maxi dress looks so flattering with it’s figure-skimming cut, capped sleeves and subtle ruching across the waist.
The specked grey shade is perfect for every season, while the pastel yellow colourway will make a stylish addition to any spring/summer wardrobe.
New Look Double-Breasted Trench Coat, £48.74 (was £64.99)
A classic trench coat is a must-have for any capsule wardrobe.
The lightweight design makes them ideal for throwing on over anything during the transitional seasons, and shoppers can save 25% on New Look’s version.
The double breasted design gives a smart finish, while the belted design will cinch the waist for a flattering finish.
It’s unclear how long New Look’s huge sale will be running for, but items are selling out seriously fast – so we recommend shopping your favourite finds soon.
Visit The Sun’s shopping fashion hub for more news, tips and fashion deals.
For more discounts and recommendations from the Sun Shopping team, sign up to our newsletter and join the WhatsApp group.
EASTENDERS star James Bye looks set to rake in a small fortune after signing up to a personalised video-making website.
The actor, 41, bowed out of his role as Martin Fowler last week during the show’s live episode for its 40th anniversary.
Viewers watched as Martin suffered a cardiac arrest after an iron beam crushed his legs following the explosion at the Queen Vic.
With the character’s popularity reaching an all-time high, James looks set to cash in on his Walford demise.
The Sun can reveal he’s signed up celebrity video messaging platform Cameo just days after his final EastEnders scenes.
James is charging fans a whopping £51 for a personalised message from him, which average a minute-and-a-half in duration.
The dad-of-four is also offering to promote businesses with an official endorsement from him – as prices start at £1,778.
A source said: “James signing up for Cameo at the height of his popularity is a no-brainer, it’s easy cash for him to make before his next acting role.
“He joined the platform on the week of his exit from EastEnders and has already been inundated with requests.”
According to his profile, James is willing to send fans a simple Happy Birthday message, as well as take on the role of agony uncle and offer advice or an inspirational pep talk.
Speaking about his exit from EastEnders after 11 years, James said his wife wasn’t best pleased.
He told The One Show: “I was sworn to keep it completely secret.
“Obviously the people who were involved in the storyline, they were told not long after I was.
“In fact I told the exec producer, ‘You have to let me tell Lacey. Everyone else you can tell’. And that was the most difficult conversation.
“Other than telling my wife. She wasn’t over the moon with it to be fair!”
Yesterday James’ next acting role was revealed as he swaps TV for the theatre.
He’ll play iconic Jane Austen hero Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley.
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
A GROUNDBREAKING cancer vaccine reversed the disease in nine patients, a study has shown.
All nine patients enrolled in a Yale University study testing out personalised treatments against advanced kidney cancer remained disease free three years after receiving doses.
Each person’s vaccine was created by examining the DNA and RNA in their tumour, which identified individual mutations in each of their cancers that weren’t present in normal, healthy cells.
Like all vaccines, personalised cancer vaccines train the body’s immune system to hunt down and destroy a threat.
The nine participants had all received surgery to treat stage three or four kidney cancer.
So in their case, the threat their immune systems were being trained to detect were any cancer cells remaining after surgery.
The vaccine was able to snuff out lingering cancerous cells while avoiding healthy cells after being fine tuned to each patient’s biology.
Currently approved immune therapies for kidney cancer aim to “release the brakes” on the immune system to allow it to attack cancer cells, but they don’t tell the immune cells where to go.
As a result, some patients don’t see any benefits from the treatments, while others may experience side effects from an overactive immune system.
Dr David Braun, the study’s first author and researcher at the Yale Cancer Center, said: “The idea behind this trial was to specifically steer the immune system toward a target that is unique to the tumour.”
Kidney cancer is the sixth most common type of the disease in the UK, with around 13,800 new cases diagnosed every year.
In the trial, the personalised cancer jab was designed to sniff out and destroy specific mutated cells that drive tumour growth in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 80 per cent of all kidney cancer types in UK, and ccRCC makes up about 80 per cent of these.
The standard treatment for patients with ccRCC is currently surgery to remove tumours, followed by immunotherapy with a targeted therapy to blast remaining cells.
However, many patients will see their cancer return, study authors noted, saying “there remains a high unmet clinical need to improve outcomes after surgery for patients with high-risk RCC”.
Dr Braun said: “For patients with high-risk ccRCC, we want to improve post-surgery treatment options that reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.”
Yale researchers conducted a phase I trial, which is used to assess whether a new treatment is safe or effective.
The nine patients received multiple doses of the personalised cancer vaccine. Four of them received just the vaccine, while the remaining five also had small doses of the immunotherapy drug ipilimumab.
Seven patients had stage three disease, and two had stage four kidney cancer.
All nine patients had an immune response to the vaccine within three weeks.
In seven of nine patients, those T cells were capable of recognising the patient’s tumour.
Cancer-fighting T cells remained elevated throughout the study and for years afterwards, researchers observed.
Dr Braun said: “This strong and durable activation in T cells was encouraging and indicates that we’re able to generate a long-lasting, anti-cancer immune response with the vaccine.”
While patients typically experienced flu-like symptoms for one to two days after their vaccinations, none experienced severe side effects.
Researchers also said there were no significant differences in outcomes between patients who received ipilimumab along with the jab and those who received the cancer vaccine.
While the trial’s results – published in the journal Nature – are promising, researchers said trials with more patients are needed to confirm the vaccine’s effectiveness and explore its full potential.
Dr Braun is currently conducting a phase II study with patients receiving a similar personalised cancer vaccine with the targeted therapy, Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab.
Personalised cancer jabs are also being tested in the UK, with the NHS matching patients to clinical trials for their specific tumours through its new Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.
Jab maker BioNTech has signed a deal to enrol 10,000 UK patients on to cancer vaccine trials by 2030.
By Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent
CANCER vaccines are an exciting prospect because they use the body’s own immune system to fight tumours, reducing the collateral damage to healthy cells which is a risk of surgery, radiotherapy and chemo.
Hopefully this will mean people can be treated for longer without the fear of crippling or even deadly side effects, improving their survival chances.
Research is still in the early stages so the number of patients who can try out the vaccines in the next couple of years is likely to be small.
They will probably also be very expensive, as there is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the clinic and lab as every vaccine is tailored to the individual patient.
But the NHS’ Cancer Vaccines Launch Pad will help pharmaceutical companies study and develop the vaccines, set up the NHS infrastructure for if they become routinely used in future – and offer hope for patients along the way.