New Vaccine Tested in Cancer Treatment Successfully Prevents Recurrence

Scientists have reported that a new vaccine used alongside medication has prevented cancer recurrence in patients, marking a “historic moment” in cancer treatment. Developed by Merck and Moderna, the vaccine was administered to patients with skin cancer ‘melanoma’ after surgery.

Preliminary results indicate the vaccine has extended the cancer-free period for these patients, although neither company has disclosed the exact duration. Cancer experts have hailed this as a significant breakthrough but have urged caution, noting that full study results have yet to be released and independent peer review is pending.

Furthermore, despite the completion of trials, the vaccine must still receive regulatory approval and undergo another authorization process before it can be made available through the NHS in the UK. Named Intismiran, the vaccine was given in combination with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda, which has long been used in cancer treatment.

According to Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, these results represent a “defining moment” in cancer research. Following the announcement, shares of both Moderna and Merck have risen. Talicia Qualo, head of Prevention and Early Detection at Cancer Research UK, described the findings as “encouraging” but emphasized that a full review is still pending.