‘Extremely impressive’: melanoma jab trial results excite doctors
Can you describe the process involved in creating the personalized mRNA cancer vaccine known as mRNA-4157 (V940)?
The personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, known as mRNA-4157 (V940), is developed through a multi-step process. First, a sample of the tumor is removed during the patient's surgery. This tumor sample then undergoes DNA sequencing, which is followed by the use of artificial intelligence to analyze the data. The result of this analysis is a custom-built anti-cancer vaccine specific to the patient's tumor.
This vaccine works by instructing the patient's body to identify and kill any remaining cancer cells, effectively preventing the disease from returning. The mRNA-4157 (V940) vaccine has shown promising results in clinical trials, particularly in combination with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. Patients with stage three or four melanoma who received the vaccine in addition to Keytruda had a 49% lower risk of dying or experiencing a recurrence of the disease after three years compared to those who only received Keytruda.
How does the recurrence-free survival rate compare between patients treated with the combination of the mRNA vaccine and Keytruda versus those treated with Keytruda alone?
The recurrence-free survival rate for patients treated with the combination of the mRNA vaccine (mRNA-4157/V940) and Keytruda was significantly higher than those treated with Keytruda alone. According to the trial results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, the 2.5-year recurrence-free survival rate for the mRNA vaccine in combination with Keytruda was 74.8%, compared to 55.6% for Keytruda alone. This represents a 49% lower risk of dying or the disease recurring after three years for patients who received the combination treatment.
What are the specific stages of melanoma targeted in the trial of the mRNA-4157 (V940) vaccine?
The trial of the mRNA-4157 (V940) vaccine targeted patients with stage three or four melanoma who had the tumor removed. The vaccine was tested in combination with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. The results showed a 49% lower risk of dying or the disease recurring after three years for patients who received the vaccine compared to those who did not2.