Merck and Moderna have announced that an experimental, personalized mRNA vaccine has shown promising results in preventing skin cancer from returning or spreading in high-risk melanoma patients. This development represents a significant milestone for mRNA-based therapy.
In a large, late-stage trial, the combination regimen significantly extended the time patients lived without the recurrence of melanoma when compared to using Keytruda alone. The vaccine reportedly thwarted the return and spread of the cancer.
While observers greeted the news with enthusiasm, they noted that full data from the ongoing late-stage study has yet to be released. Nevertheless, combining a vaccine and immunotherapy approach could open new ways to treat cancer.