Personalized mRNA cancer vaccine
“UK Patients Trial World’s First Personalized mRNA Cancer Jab for Melanoma”
British patients are testing the world’s first personalized mRNA cancer jab designed for melanoma, with the potential to tackle lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
The innovative jab, considered a “gamechanger” in cancer treatment, is tailor-made for each individual within a few weeks. It instructs the body to target cancer cells and prevent the disease from recurring.
A stage 2 trial involving Moderna and MSD pharmaceutical companies showed a significant reduction in melanoma recurrence risk.
Now, a phase 3 trial led by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is underway.
Dr. Heather Shaw, the national co-ordinating investigator, described the jab’s potential to cure melanoma and its testing in other cancers.
This personalized neoantigen therapy (INT) functions like a cancer vaccine, activating the immune system to combat a patient’s specific cancer and tumor.
The jab, known as mRNA-4157 (V940), is designed to target tumor neoantigens, unique markers expressed by each patient’s tumor. It carries coding for up to 34 neoantigens, triggering an anti-tumor immune response based on the tumor’s mutations.
The process involves removing a tumor sample during surgery, followed by DNA sequencing and the use of artificial intelligence to create a personalized anti-cancer jab.
Dr. Shaw highlighted the jab’s individualized nature, likening it to a gourmet meal crafted for each patient.
The aim is to cure patients of cancer by eradicating any residual cancer cells. Phase 2 data showed promising results, with patients receiving the jab alongside MSD’s immunotherapy Keytruda having a significantly reduced risk of cancer recurrence or death.
The phase 3 trial aims to recruit around 1,100 patients globally, with the UK arm aiming for 60 to 70 patients across eight centers.
One patient on the trial, Steve Young, expressed excitement about the mRNA technology’s potential in fighting cancer.
The therapy combination is also being tested in lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
Dr. Shaw emphasized the tolerability of the therapy, with side effects comparable to those of flu or COVID-19 vaccines.
Professor Lawrence Young of the University of Warwick hailed the development as one of the most exciting in modern cancer therapy, noting the potential to extend the approach to other cancers.
Vassiliki Karantza, associate vice president of MSD Research Laboratories, expressed commitment to advancing novel treatment options for melanoma and other cancers.
