Vaccine breakthrough stops cancer returning in trial
A phase three clinical trial has shown that a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, developed by Merck and Moderna, significantly extends the cancer-free period for high-risk melanoma patients when combined with immunotherapy. While experts view this as a potential breakthrough, the results are not yet peer-reviewed and the treatment requires further regulatory approval.
Why it matters
This represents a major advancement in personalized medicine, potentially offering a new way to prevent cancer recurrence using mRNA technology similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines.
Image source, Getty Images By Joe McFadden Health reporter Published 19 August 2026 A new personalised vaccine given in combination with a drug has stopped skin cancer returning in patients during a trial, representing a potentially watershed moment in cancer treatment.
The vaccine, developed by drug companies Merck and Moderna, was given to patients with high-risk melanoma, a type of skin cancer, after they had surgery.
Early results show this new jab extended the length of time these patients were cancer free, but it's unclear for how long, according to an announcement by the two firms.
Cancer experts say this is a breakthrough, but emphasise caution as the full results have not been released or peer-reviewed whereby independent experts examine and check the trial findings.
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