Interesting Science

mRNA vaccine cut the risk of melanoma recurrence by 42 percent

The personalized mRNA vaccine intismeran, developed by Merck and Moderna, reduced the risk of recurrence of the skin cancer melanoma, or death of the patient, by 42 percent. It was used together with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. The phase three trial involved 1,137 people at 157 centers, and some of them received a placebo. The vaccine does not prevent melanoma from developing; it is intended for patients whose tumor has already been surgically removed. Trial leader Georgina Long notes that no serious side effects were recorded, and participants were monitored for about 25 months. If the results are confirmed, this could become the first approved mRNA vaccine against cancer.

Not covered in Armenian media (checked 24 October)