An experimental mRNA-based vaccine from Moderna and Merck reduced the risk that the most deadly skin cancer would spread, by 65%, compared to immunotherapy treatment alone, the companies reported.
The results, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago, follow earlier promising data from the trial showing the customized mRNA vaccine given in combination with Merck's Keytruda cut the risk of death or recurrence of melanoma by 44% compared with Keytruda, alone.rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic
The hope is for "a completely new treatment paradigm in cancer that will be better tolerated and unique to individual patients' tumors," said Dr. Jane Healy, an executive overseeing in early cancer treatment development at Merck. During this process, patients typically receive an immunotherapy such as Keytruda or Roche's Tecentriq, which block a mechanism cancer uses to hide from the immune system., companies had been eyeing messenger RNA technology, which carries instructions for cells to make specific proteins, as a vehicle for delivering a cancer vaccine.
Balachandran's team studied the rare long-term survivors and found an immune system component called T cells in these individuals were able to recognize mutations derived from the cancer, raising the possibility of a targeted vaccine. The approach first primes the immune system with an older technology called a chimpanzee adenovirus vaccine that targets patients' tumors. That is followed by a personalized self-amplifying mRNA vaccine, which includes an enzyme that makes extra copies of the antigens, reducing the required dose.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Moderna and Merck Cancer Vaccine Used With Keytruda Reduces Risk of Deadly Skin Cancer SpreadingMelanoma is responsible for the large majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
Read more »
Cancer vaccines poised to unlock 'new treatment paradigm' with Merck/Moderna dataAdding an experimental mRNA-based vaccine from Moderna Inc and Merck & Co reduced the risk that the most deadly skin cancer would spread by 65% over treatment with an immunotherapy alone in a midstage trial, the companies reported on Monday.
Read more »
At 65, Andie MacDowell Uses This Drugstore Foundation for Radiant SkinAndie MacDowell, 65, Uses This Drugstore Foundation for Red Carpet–Ready Skin
Read more »
Memorial Day SR-76 pileup victim identified as 65-year-old Orange County man -SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Authorities have publicly identified a 65-year-old Orange County man who was killed in a Memorial Day pileup allegedly caused by an intoxicated driver on a rural road near Pala Casino. Manh Nguyen of Fountain Valley was headed west on state Route 76 when an eastbound Toyota Camry veered into his path and struck his Lexus GS-350...
Read more »
Shortage of common cancer-fighting drugs adding new stress to cancer diagnosisThe drugs in short supply include the two main choices for treating breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer.
Read more »
This Rare Genetic Condition Leads to Cancer After Cancer🔄FROM THE ARCHIVE: People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome are susceptible to developing multiple types of early onset cancer. Researchers are working to find a way to make life easier for these patients.
Read more »