Vaccine breakthrough stops cancer returning in trial

A new personalized vaccine, developed by Merck and Moderna, has shown promising results in preventing skin cancer from returning during a trial, potentially marking a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment. The vaccine, called Intismeran, was administered alongside the immunotherapy drug Keytruda to patients with high-risk melanoma, a type of skin cancer, following surgery.

Early findings indicate that the combination of the vaccine and Keytruda extended the cancer-free period for patients, though the duration remains uncertain. Though the full results and peer-reviewed data are yet to be released, cancer experts consider this a significant breakthrough. However, they stress the need for caution as the treatment would still require regulatory approval and further approval before becoming available on the NHS.

The phase three trial involved over 1,000 patients with high-risk stage two, three, or four melanoma, ranging from localized tumours to those that had spread to other body parts. The vaccine works by targeting specific mutations within an individual's tumour using mRNA technology, similar to some Covid-19 vaccines, thus creating a personalized anti-cancer jab.

Moderna's CEO, Stephane Bancel, called the findings a "pivotal moment" in cancer research, and both companies are testing other personalized vaccines for lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.