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World-first cancer vaccine slashes death risk in stunning findings led by Aussie scientist
Aussie scientist leads world-first cancer vaccine trial cutting melanoma death risk by 42%.
In brief
Aussie scientist leads world-first cancer vaccine trial cutting melanoma death risk by 42%. World-first cancer vaccine trial led by Professor Georgina Long reduces melanoma recurrence or death risk by 42% compared to standard treatment. Originally reported by Dailymail.
World-first cancer vaccine trial
A Sydney scientist led a world-first cancer vaccine trial that dramatically reduced melanoma recurrence or death risk.
42% reduction in risk
The vaccine cut the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 42% compared with patients receiving only pembrolizumab.
Vaccine developed by Moderna and MSD
The vaccine, known as intismeran, is being jointly developed by pharmaceutical companies Moderna and MSD.
Personalised mRNA cancer vaccine
Intismeran is an individualised messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccine designed specifically for each patient based on their tumour's genetic characteristics.
Targets neoantigens
The vaccine targets neoantigens, abnormal proteins that develop on cancer cells following genetic mutations.
Professor Georgina Long
Professor Georgina Long, medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia and chair of melanoma medical oncology at the University of Sydney, led the trial.
42% risk reduction
The vaccine cut the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 42% compared with standard treatment.
Personalised medicine breakthrough
Professor Long described the technology as a significant leap forward in cancer treatment combining personalised medicine with mRNA advances.
Trial scale
The trial ran across 157 sites worldwide and involved 1,137 patients with surgically removed melanoma at high risk of recurrence.
No prior treatment
None of the participants had previously received drug treatment for their cancer.
Australian sites
The trial included sites in Australia such as Melanoma Institute Australia, Westmead Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Professor Long's background
Professor Long has dedicated her career to eliminating melanoma deaths and developing treatments for resistant cancers.
Australian of the Year
In 2024, Professor Long was named Australian of the Year alongside her late colleague Professor Richard Scolyer.
Associate Professor Seth Cheetham
Associate Professor Seth Cheetham, director of the Australian mRNA Cancer Vaccine Hub, called the findings a major breakthrough.
First large trial
This is the first large trial showing definitively that the technology reduces recurrence or spread and improves outcomes compared to standard care.
Potential for other cancers
Professor Long said the findings could have implications for melanoma and potentially other cancers.
The main idea
World-first cancer vaccine trial led by Professor Georgina Long reduces melanoma recurrence or death risk by 42% compared to standard treatment.
