Personalised cancer vaccine reduces disease return risk in major trial
Researchers in a major clinical trial found a new personalised vaccine cut the risk of melanoma returning or spreading by significant margins.
One thousand one hundred and thirty seven adults received Keytruda alongside either an experimental vaccine or a dummy drug during this study. About two thirds got the new treatment while the rest received a placebo to compare results fairly.
The vaccine uses mRNA technology similar to some Covid jabs. It is personalised using information from each patients own tumour to train their immune system. This approach helps the body recognise cancer cells and target them effectively if the disease ever returns again.
Tony Chapman was seventy five years old when he volunteered for the study after his skin cancer spread to his lymph nodes in 2019. He remains cancer free three years later and now has regular checks every six months to monitor his health carefully.
Shares in drugmakers MSD and Moderna surged after hints of success but investors sold off stock when analysts noted results were not as strong as earlier trials. Both companies are now talking to authorities and might seek medicine approval soon next year.