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An experimental mRNA vaccine is showing promising results in reducing the risk of melanoma returning after treatment. Early clinical trial findings suggest that combining a personalized mRNA vaccine with immunotherapy may lower the risk of cancer recurrence or death by approximately 42% compared with immunotherapy alone. The vaccine is designed to help the immune system recognize and target cancer cells, potentially preventing the disease from coming back. While larger studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness and long-term safety, these findings highlight the potential of personalized cancer vaccines as a new approach to melanoma treatment.
Source
Kang SP, Gergich K, Lubiniecki GM, de Alwis DP, Chen C, Tice MAB, Rubin EH. Pembrolizumab KEYNOTE-001: an adaptive study leading to accelerated approval for two indications and a companion diagnostic. Ann Oncol. 2017 Jun 1;28(6):1388-1398. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdx076. PMID: 30052728; PMCID: PMC5452070.
Additional Reading
https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/22/health/mnra-cancer-vaccine-moderna