In the UK, for the first time in the world, a patient with lung cancer received a personalized mRNA vaccine as part of an international clinical trial. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC.
The first patient was a resident of Merseyside. She received the vaccine in the first phase of an international clinical trial conducted by the University of Liverpool, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and their international partners. A total of ten patients are planned to participate in the study.
The drug is intended for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of the disease.
The therapeutic mRNA vaccine does not prevent cancer. Its purpose is to help the immune system recognize and destroy remaining tumor cells and enhance the effect of existing treatment.
Previously, non-personalized mRNA vaccines against lung cancer had been tested, but in this study, the drug is for the first time manufactured individually for each patient, taking into account the genetic characteristics of the tumor.
The vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, which causes cells to temporarily produce proteins characteristic of the patient's specific tumor. This teaches the immune system to recognize these proteins and attack cells that carry them.
At this stage, researchers are evaluating the safety of the drug and its ability to elicit an immune response. It is not yet known whether the vaccine can reduce the risk of recurrence or extend patients' life expectancy.
If the technology proves effective, personalized mRNA vaccines could become an addition to existing treatments for lung cancer.
Earlier, Kursiv Health reported on another experimental cancer vaccine that successfully passed its first trial.
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