*New York, December 15:* A breakthrough in cancer treatment emerges as an experimental mRNA vaccine, developed by Moderna, exhibits promising results in combating melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Administered in conjunction with Merck’s cancer drug Keytruda, the mRNA vaccine has demonstrated a remarkable 49% reduction in the death rate or recurrence of melanoma after three years, compared to Keytruda alone, according to a joint statement from the companies.
The combination treatment also significantly lowered the risk of distant metastasis (spread to other parts of the body) or death by an impressive 62%. Common side effects observed were fatigue, injection site pain, and chills. Melanoma, marked by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells, has witnessed a rising incidence globally, with nearly 325,000 new cases diagnosed in 2020.
Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel stated on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that the vaccine could potentially receive regulatory approvals and launch in some countries by 2025. The mRNA vaccine, utilizing the same technology as Moderna’s Covid vaccine, is custom-tailored based on an analysis of a patient’s tumors post-surgery.
It aims to train the immune system to recognize and target specific mutations in cancer cells. Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug by Merck, enhances the body’s immune system to detect and combat tumor cells. Moderna and Merck are also conducting trials of the vaccine with Keytruda against non-small cell lung cancer, expanding the potential applications of this groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment.
