mRNA vaccine against tumors: Study booms, but US research slows

There are 230 ongoing clinical trials for Oncology MrNA VICKINE CEVIDE, but 31 percent have been cut at the US National Cancer Institute.

The first boom and tumor therapy trials came with mrna vaccines.But we cut a slow pace

Research and development of mRNA vaccines has never been as lively and productive as it has been in the last 2 years.With the exception of the 2021 Covid-19 vaccine research anomaly, the number of global mRNA vaccine trials launched in 2024 was five times higher than in 2017. From melanoma to lung, prostate, pancreatic, breast, kidney, bladder and many more.In total, there are 20 types of cancer against which more than 230 clinical trials are currently underway worldwide (GlobalData) with the aim of developing mRNA-based vaccines and therapies.

Oncology is a therapeutic field where research in mRNA technology is emerging more than any other. mRNA vaccines, which cost 500 million dollars, do not hide any doubts about this technology.In this case, Europe, especially Italy, can apply to become a new point of reference.This is one of the topics addressed by the specialists gathered today in Naples for the XVI edition of the Melanoma Bridge and the XI edition of the Immunotherapy Bridge.

"Scientific interest in mRNA vaccines in oncology is growing rapidly - confirmed Paolo Asserto, President of the Federico II Melanoma Oncology Foundation, Full Professor of Oncology at the University of Naples and Director of the Melanoma Oncology Unit. Adjuvant treatment after surgery, which reduces the risk of early recurrence

Now beyond the predictable stages of research, there are concrete advances and promising candidates in the final stages of testing.For example, Merck's mRNA vaccine against melanoma is nearing completion."Pembrizumab may improve patient survival after surgical tumor resection," he added.

Expectations are also high from the phase III study conducted by MSD and Moderna against lung cancer: in this case, too, the mRNA vaccine is given together with pembrolizumab.A trial of BioNTech's BNT-122 mRNA vaccine to prevent recurrence of pancreatic cancer is in phase II: a study published in Nature in February showed that the tailored vaccine reduced the risk of the disease returning after surgery in 16 patients, with a three-year follow-up.Other mRNA vaccines are still in early development.For example, in May 2024, the United Kingdom's National Health Service recruited participants for a personalized clinical trial of an mRNA vaccine against colon cancer.

In the future, immunotherapy also has great innovation in the simplicity of drug delivery, such as subcutaneous nivolumab therapy."Equivalence of treatment efficacy in symptomatic delivery methods has been widely demonstrated, and not only in oncology," explains Ascierto.Add more.

In addition, the first results related to the vaccine "systematized, it will be easy to produce individual, which aims to target the four stages in most melanomas, are promising. In a recent study conducted by Accierto, the "challenge" BTT111 vaccine BNT111 was tested, tested by response to standard disease treatment results in patients (multiplesF. Studies on the so-called immunothocyte cells that attack the 'bridge' between the two", explains asfierto.

However, as science celebrates its first major successes, a shadow grows over research.Ascierto emphasizes, "Funding cuts in the United States threaten to slow down what has been called one of the most promising treatments of the century."strengthen its role and become a new global benchmark in this life-saving technology.Italy prides itself on the excellent quality of its research, and its researchers are unquestionably world-class.

Cancer vaccine research is fundamental not only to health, but also to technological and industrial sovereignty."Investing now in excellent research centers, such as those already in Italy, will allow us to use the know-how developed during the pandemic and guarantee priority access to these future therapies," says Ascierto."Europe and Italy have a unique opportunity to demonstrate that scientific research and medical innovation can be supported away from austerity and political tensions, strengthening their role as leaders in future cancer immunotherapy."