A small study has shown positive results in a new mRNA vaccine. The findings, published in Nature, show promise, though the study’s limited size and long clinical research timeline mean it will be years before it’s a viable option for patients. 

About the Vaccine

The mRNA vaccine is personalized for individual use and trains T cells to spot and attack pancreatic cancer cells. This process allows the body to develop mutated T cells capable of fighting cancer for years, potentially for life. This type of immune response is inherently challenging, as researchers are essentially training T cells to attack a kind of cancer that has been resistant to normal immune responses. 

Read more: Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Treatment, and More

About the Study

The preliminary trial included 16 pancreatic cancer patients, all of whom underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Half of the participants had a strong immune response, and those with a strong response were cancer-free three years after surgery. Those who didn’t have an immune response were more likely to have their cancer return. 

The research team is conducting a larger trial to confirm preliminary results. Vaccines pose a dual promise in potentially curing and preventing cancer. At-risk individuals are given the vaccine in the early stages of diagnosis or at an age when their risk of developing cancer increases based on type. 

Surgery is not always an option in pancreatic cancer treatment, and the illness is considered one of the most aggressive types. The typical survival rate is about a year after diagnosis.

Progress on Pancreatic Cancer

Although these studies may be years away from widespread use, they are critical in the march toward impactful cancer prevention. We are committed to supporting preventative research, offering educational programming, and advocating for equitable access to care. You can help; consider donating to our cause today.