An mRNA Vaccine Trial is Underway to Fight Deadly Brain Cancer

Glioblastoma, among the deadliest cancers, has limited treatment options. However, a recent small-scale clinical trial showcased an mRNA vaccine that swiftly activates the immune system against tumors, showing encouraging outcomes.

Glioblastoma stands as the predominant brain cancer type and is notoriously aggressive.

Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, yet recurrence is common.

Patients typically survive for about a year post-diagnosis, with only a small percentage living beyond five years.

A recent University of Florida study introduces a promising solution for patients: an mRNA cancer vaccine. Leveraging technology utilized in COVID-19 vaccines, this vaccine prompts the immune system to efficiently target glioblastoma, as evidenced in trials with mice, dogs, and now humans.

Harnessing mRNA Technology for Immune Response Training

As observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA molecules act as natural instructions directing cells to produce specific proteins. By altering them to produce harmless versions of proteins associated with pathogens, the immune system can learn to combat the real threat if encountered.

Following the successful application of mRNA treatments in fighting COVID-19, there’s been increasing interest in adapting mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, with initial results showing promise.

The team behind this new version highlights two significant advancements. Firstly, the vaccine is customized using samples obtained from the patient’s own tumor cells. Secondly, the delivery method is more intricate, resulting in a stronger immune reaction.

Elias Sayour, the senior author of the study, explains, “Instead of injecting single particles, we’re injecting clusters of particles that wrap around each other, similar to a bag full of onions.”

He further notes that within 48 hours, tumors transitioned from “cold” to “hot,” indicating a rapid activation of the immune system against the cancers. This swift response is crucial for unleashing subsequent immune reactions.

Exploring Safety and Feasibility

In this small FDA-approved clinical trial, safety and feasibility were the primary focus, involving only four patients with glioblastoma. RNA extracted from each patient’s tumor was amplified and encapsulated in particle clusters, which were then injected to trigger the immune response.

While it’s too early to fully gauge the clinical impact, patients experienced prolonged periods of disease-free survival and surpassed survival expectations.

A larger Phase I trial is planned, which will enroll up to 24 patients to establish the most effective and safe dosage. Subsequently, Phase II of the trial will include 25 children.

The findings were published in the journal Cell, and the team elaborates on the trial in the accompanying video.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: AI-Created Gene Editing Tools Successfully Alter Human DNA