Moderna and Merck's Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough Reduces Melanoma Recurrence Risk

A breakthrough in cancer treatment has been achieved by Moderna and Merck, who have successfully tested a personalized cancer vaccine that targets melanoma. The trial involved over 1,000 patients with localized tumors that had been surgically removed but were at high risk of recurrence.

The vaccine works by training the immune system to specifically target mutations found only on the patient's tumor. When combined with Merck's immunotherapy drug Keytruda, it reduced the risk of melanoma returning by 50% and the risk of cancer spreading to new parts of the body by 59%.

The companies are now conducting trials for other types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. Dr. Ryan Sullivan, director of the Centre for Melanoma at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, said this breakthrough is a 'big deal' that could change the way we treat cancer more broadly.

Moderna president Stephen Hoge stated that trial results from other cancers are expected in the next year or two. Dr. Elizabeth Buchbinder, a melanoma specialist at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, said this treatment may be particularly effective for patients with only a 20% risk of cancer recurrence.