From NBC Bay Area · · 1m 10s
Experimental mRNA vaccine cuts melanoma return risk by 42%
Moderna and Merck's custom mRNA vaccine reduces melanoma recurrence by 42% in patients.
In brief
Moderna and Merck's custom mRNA vaccine reduces melanoma recurrence by 42% in patients. Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA vaccine lowers melanoma return risk by 42% after two years. Originally reported by NBC Bay Area.
New cancer vaccine reduces melanoma return risk
Moderna and Merck's experimental mRNA vaccine cuts melanoma recurrence risk by 42% after two years.
“The vaccine, called intismeran, was custom-brewed for each patient to match their tumor.”
Vaccine custom-brewed for each patient
The vaccine, called intismeran, is made with the same Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology that was behind COVID-19 vaccines.
Study results show 42% reduction
Two years later, 82% of the vaccine group remained cancer-free versus 70% in the standard treatment group.
Personalized cancer vaccine approach
Scientists hunted gene mutations unique to each patient’s tumor to create proteins the immune system can target.
Patient experience with vaccine
Tony Hout, 62, remains cancer-free after melanoma surgery and vaccine treatment.
“I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to be here for my family.”
Vaccine side effects minimal
Side effects were mainly sore arm, fatigue, and typical mRNA vaccine reactions.
Next steps for approval
Moderna and Merck are discussing regulatory approval for the vaccine after study results.
The main idea
Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA vaccine lowers melanoma return risk by 42% after two years.
