First Patient in Manchester Trial Says New Cancer Therapy Is Helping

Tracy Tomlinson, 58, became the first person worldwide to receive the new immune cell therapy ZI-MA4-1 for advanced cancer at a Manchester hospital, marking a landmark moment in treatment. The therapy uses donor immune cells engineered to target the Mage-A4 protein found in several cancers, including ovarian, lung, head and neck, and sarcoma. Tomlinson, diagnosed in 2020, joined the trial after conventional treatments failed. The "off-the-shelf" approach could reduce costs and increase availability. Tomlinson said the treatment is "helping" and hopes it benefits future patients, though experts note the trial remains early-stage.