Moderna's vaccine for curing skin cancer shows successful results

Five-year data reports from a recent clinical trial have confirmed that an experimental cancer vaccine jointly developed by Moderna and Merck, companies well-known for their COVID-19 vaccines, has significantly reduced the risk of recurrence or death in melanoma patients.

Melanoma is recognized by medical science as the most severe type of skin cancer, originating from melanocyte cells that produce skin pigment. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from sunlight or artificial tanning beds, is considered the main cause. Medical examinations have confirmed that this cancerous condition can develop anywhere on the body, including the face, limbs, and back, as well as inside the eyes, on the soles of the feet, or even under the fingernails.

According to an announcement released last Tuesday by Moderna and Merck, Phase 2b clinical trial data indicates that the risk for patients who received this new vaccine in combination with Merck's immunotherapy drug Keytruda was reduced by 49% compared to patients who received Keytruda alone.

Previously released three-year data reports related to this study also showed very positive results, and company authorities have indicated that this treatment continues to demonstrate clinically significant progress in protecting patients' lives and controlling disease recurrence.

Mr. Kyle Holen, Senior Vice President at Moderna, stated that such encouraging results clearly demonstrate the potential of mRNA technology for cancer treatment, and therefore, his company will continue to invest in the oncology sector.

It is reported that these two pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting approximately eight more Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, targeting several different types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney-related cancers.

(Source: Wall Street Journal)