17 Apr In what could be a ‘big shift’ for cancer treatment, mRNA vaccine shows promise against melanoma

If the results of a recent study hold up, it will mark a dramatic turnaround for cancer vaccines, which have been tested and failed for decades.

By Karen Weintraub, USA Today

Messenger RNA vaccines aren’t just for COVID anymore.

The vaccine technology America learned about during the pandemic was originally aimed at cancer, but its use against infectious diseases took off in the pandemic. Now a new study suggests specially designed mRNA shots can help prevent recurrences of melanoma, a dreaded skin cancer.

The study, presented Sunday at a research conference, showed that after nearly two years, patients who received a personalized mRNA vaccine made by Moderna and Merck were 44% more likely to be alive and avoid new tumors than those who received only the standard of care.

If the results hold up in a larger, longer study planned to start later this year, it will mark a dramatic turnaround for cancer vaccines, which have been tested and failed for decades. Read more …