Moderna and Merck vaccine reduces melanoma death risk by 42 percent
A phase 3 trial of a personalized mRNA vaccine, intismeran, reduced the risk of death or recurrence in melanoma patients by 42% when used with Keytruda. The treatment uses synthetic mRNA to train the immune system to target specific mutations in a patient's tumor. Merck and Moderna are now working with regulators to seek approval for the vaccine next year.
Why it matters The results could change standard care for patients undergoing surgery for skin cancer.
Sources
- Doctors call Moderna, Merck cancer vaccine data a major advancement — despite Wall Street reaction CNBC
- Moderna and Merck say their mRNA cancer vaccine cut death, recurrence by 42% Ars Technica
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