A new mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna has shown potential in stimulating the immune system to fight advanced cancer, according to results from an initial trial.
Designed for Solid Tumors
The vaccine, called mRNA-4359, is designed for patients with advanced melanoma, lung cancer, and other solid tumors. Researchers have described the early findings as an "important first step" toward a new cancer treatment, according to El Economista.
The mRNA-4359 vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, similar to the COVID-19 vaccines, to train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancerous cells.
Dr. Debashis Sarker, lead researcher from King's College London, explained that the vaccine was well-tolerated without severe side effects and helped to stimulate the body's immune system effectively.
No New Tumors Appeared
In the first human trial, 19 patients with advanced solid tumors received between one and nine doses of the vaccine. Researchers found that in eight out of 16 patients evaluated, the tumors stopped growing, and no new tumors appeared.
However, Dr. Sarker emphasized that with such a small sample size, it's still too early to determine the full effectiveness of the treatment.
The ongoing trial is now enrolling patients with specific cancers, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer, to test the vaccine in combination with pembrolizumab, an established cancer drug known as Keytruda.
This international effort, involving researchers in the U.S., UK, Spain, and Australia, aims to explore how the vaccine might alter the tumor environment to better support the immune system.
Kyle Holen from Moderna stated that this innovative approach could offer new hope for patients with advanced solid tumors.
