Experts are working on personalised vaccines to drastically improve cancer treatment. 

Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers have run global trials promising advancements in the treatment of high-risk skin cancers, specifically melanomas.

Their latest study demonstrated that combining an individual's tumour genetics with an mRNA vaccine and common immunotherapy treatment significantly improved survival rates and reduced disease recurrence. 

After 18 months, patients who received the vaccine alongside immunotherapy achieved a cancer-free survival rate of 78.6 per cent, compared to 62.2 per cent for those who only received immunotherapy. 

After two years, the combination treatment group experienced lower rates of death or disease recurrence (22.4 per cent) compared to the immunotherapy-only group (40 per cent).

Remarkably, the trial found no significant increase in adverse side effects, addressing one of the current treatment's shortcomings. 

ECU’s Professor Adnan Khattak says that the trial's aim was to address the limitations of existing treatments, highlighting the need for a more individualised approach to cancer treatment.

The novel approach involves using an mRNA vaccine tailored to an individual's tumour genetics. 

Tissue samples are analysed to identify neoantigens specific to the patient's tumour, which are then incorporated into an mRNA molecule and added to the vaccine. This personalised treatment enhances the patient's immune response to fight cancer.

Professor Khattak says the trials could lead to a significant increase in research on personal cancer vaccines.
“The current standard of care is immunotherapy using an antibody known as pembrolizumab,” he said.

“There are two main issues: first, despite having active immunotherapy for stage three melanoma, about half of patients will relapse at five years.

“This is the biggest trial to show treatment improves with an individualised approach - and I think research into personal cancer vaccines is going to increase dramatically after this positive study.”

The results have paved the way for a new global trial, expanding the treatment to include participants with earlier stages of melanoma. 

If successful, this approach could become the new standard of care for various cancers beyond melanoma, including lung, kidney, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Those looking for details on the trial can contact One Clinical Research.