'Bespoke' mRNA vaccine significantly reduces risk of melanoma recurrence or death, clinical trial shows
Trial results represent ‘foundational shift’ in approach to cancer, allowing scientists to harness immune system in more personalised way
TL;DR
- A personalised mRNA vaccine called intismeran significantly reduces melanoma recurrence or death risk by 42%.
- The vaccine targets unique mutations in individual patients' melanoma.
- Phase III trial results show 82% of patients on the vaccine and immunotherapy were recurrence-free at two years, versus 70% on immunotherapy alone.
- This is the first individualised cancer vaccine to show positive results in a phase III trial.
- The treatment is custom-made and trains the immune system to target melanoma cells.
- Further study and regulatory approval are required before the vaccine can be widely used.