Vaccine breakthrough stops cancer returning in trial
A new personalized mRNA vaccine developed by Merck and Moderna has shown promise in preventing the recurrence of high-risk melanoma when used with immunotherapy. While early trial results are positive, experts urge caution until full peer-reviewed data is available.
Why it matters
This represents a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment using mRNA technology, which could significantly improve survival rates for high-risk patients.
Image source, Getty Images By Joe McFadden Health reporter Published 14 minutes ago 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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in