An mRNA cancer vaccine attacked tumors in 48 hours

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mRNA vaccine anti-cancer drug, developed at the University of Florida in the US, quickly reprograms the immune system to attack glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadly brain tumor. To use a patient’s own tumor cells to provide a personalized response, the researchers created a complex delivery mechanism built into the vaccine. To do this, they launched a first-in-human clinical trial with four adult patients, the results of which were published in the journal Cell.

Like other immunotherapies, this new vaccine attempts to “teach” the immune system that the tumor is foreign. “The reason we did this in the context of cancer is because these clusters alert the immune system much deeper than individual particles.”comments Dr. Elias Sayurpediatric oncologist at the University of Florida, a pioneer in this research. To make the most of the unique immune system, the vaccine was personalized for each patient.

Dr. Sayur: “We were able to very quickly activate the initial part of the immune system against these cancers, and this is important for unlocking the downstream effects of the immune response.”

fast action “This new technology was one of the aspects to pay attention to,” comments Dr. Sayur: “In less than 48 hours, we were able to see these tumors go from what we call “cold” to “hot” and having a very active immune response. We managed to activate the initial part the immune system very quickly against these cancers, and this is important for uncovering the downstream effects of the immune response.” Glioblastoma is one of the most devastating diagnoses with an average survival rate of about 15 months. The current standard of treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and some combination of chemotherapy.

The results reflect results from 10 canine patients with naturally occurring brain tumors, as well as results from preclinical mouse models. This publication is the culmination of research that has lasted seven years. “Dogs provide a natural model for malignant glioma because they are the only species that develop spontaneous brain tumors with any frequency.” confirms Dr. Sheila Carrera-Eustice, DVM, Veterinary Neurologist, UF College of Veterinary Medicine. Patients lived disease-free longer than expected or survived longer than expected.

This breakthrough will now be tested in a phase 1 pediatric brain cancer clinical trial.

Coming soon Phase 1 clinical trial expanded to include up to 24 adults and children to test the results. Once the optimal and safe dose is confirmed, approximately 25 children will participate in the second phase, Sayur said. Some limitations remain: how best to harness the immune system and, in turn, minimize the likelihood of adverse side effects.