mRNA breakthrough: New hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer
Clinical studies indicate that the mRNA vaccine may help treat pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers, reports "Nature." This type of cancer ranks among the most lethal, and an effective treatment has yet to be found.
Currently, only 13% of patients with pancreatic cancer survive more than five years, and this survival rate is primarily when the disease is detected at an early stage. Unfortunately, up to 90% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly hindering treatment.
mRNA vaccine as a new treatment method
Given the limitations of traditional treatments like chemotherapy, scientists are seeking new solutions. One option is a therapeutic vaccine based on mRNA technology, which may be effective in fighting pancreatic cancer. This preparation targets the antigens of mutated cancer cells, enabling the immune system to recognize them.
BioNTech, in collaboration with Genentech, conducted phase 1 clinical trials that showed the mRNA vaccine may be effective in some patients. The study involved 16 people with operable pancreatic cancer who received the vaccine after cancer cell samples were taken.
mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer: promising research results
Prof. Vinod Balachandran from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the study's lead author, emphasizes that half of the patients responded to the vaccine. T-cells, which attack the mutated cancer cells, began being produced in their bodies. Importantly, these immune cells can remain active for a long time, even up to eight years.
Although the results are promising, it is not yet known whether the vaccine will extend the patients’ lives. Further studies are needed, involving a larger group of people. The second phase of clinical trials aims to confirm these results.
Universal vaccine in research phase
Parallel work is being conducted on a universal vaccine against pancreatic cancer by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. These studies focus on the KRAS mutation, which is present in 90% of pancreatic cancer cells. Although in the early stages, they may bring a breakthrough in treating this cancer.
