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COVID-19

mRNA Cancer Vaccines Show Promise in Treating Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists are developing cancer vaccines using technology similar to that which enabled the rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines. The US Food and Drug Administration granted breakthrough therapy designation to Moderna and Merck's skin cancer vaccine in December, allowing for expedited development and review. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute note that mRNA vaccine technology has been promising for infectious diseases, and its application in cancer treatment appears promising as well.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to Moderna and Merck's skin cancer vaccine in December 2022, allowing for expedited development and review.
  • Researchers at the National Cancer Institute observed that mRNA vaccine technology has been promising for infectious diseases and may lead to new kinds of vaccines.
  • An early phase 2b clinical trial published in December 2022 found that a combination therapy of an mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 44% in advanced stage melanoma patients.
  • Moderna and Merck plan to follow up their initial trial with a phase 3 trial for advanced melanoma in 2023.
  • Cancer vaccines inject genetic instructions that train the immune system to develop antibodies against cancer proteins.
  • mRNA cancer vaccines target several antigens present on the tumour surface, unlike Covid mRNA vaccines which respond to a single antigen.
  • The mRNA cancer vaccines train the patient's immune system to fight their own cancer.
  • The skin cancer vaccine by Moderna and Merck is a personalized treatment for cancer, rather than a preventive measure.
  • Elad Sharon, a researcher from the Institute's Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, noted that 'research on mRNA vaccines also appears promising for the treatment of cancer, but these approaches have not yet proven themselves.'

Statistics:

  • 157 patients participated in the early phase 2b clinical trial.
  • 44% reduction in cancer recurrence or death in patients treated with the combination of mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy.
  • The trial took place over one year.
  • 2023 is the planned start date for a phase 3 trial for advanced melanoma.
  • mRNA vaccine technology has shown promise for infectious diseases and cancer treatment.

Sources:

  • United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Moderna and Merck's published clinical trial results (December 2022)
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) researchers
  • Elad Sharon, researcher from the NCI's Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

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