mRNA vaccine shows promise against deadly pancreatic cancer
Clinical studies suggest that the mRNA vaccine could aid in treating pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of cancer, as reported by "Nature." This type of cancer remains one of the deadliest, with no effective treatment currently available.
At present, only 13% of patients with pancreatic cancer survive longer than five years, primarily when the disease is detected early on. Regrettably, up to 90% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly complicating treatment efforts.
mRNA vaccine as a new treatment method
Given the limitations of traditional treatments like chemotherapy, researchers are exploring new solutions. One possibility is a therapeutic vaccine based on mRNA technology, which may effectively combat pancreatic cancer. This preparation targets the antigens of mutated cancer cells, enabling the immune system to recognise them.
Phase 1 clinical trials, conducted by BioNTech in collaboration with Genentech, revealed that the mRNA vaccine may be effective for some patients. The study involved 16 individuals with operable pancreatic cancer who received the vaccine after cancer cell samples were taken.
mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer: Promising research results
Professor Vinod Balachandran, the study's lead author from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, highlights that half of the patients responded to the vaccine. Their bodies began producing T-cells, which attack the mutated cancer cells. Importantly, these immune cells can remain active for a long period, potentially up to eight years.
Although the results are promising, it is not yet certain whether the vaccine will extend the patients’ lives. Further studies involving a larger cohort of individuals are required. The second phase of clinical trials aims to confirm these findings.
Universal vaccine in research phase
Parallel research is underway at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center on a universal vaccine against pancreatic cancer. These studies concentrate on the KRAS mutation, which is found in 90% of pancreatic cancer cells. Although still in the early stages, they might lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of this cancer.
