mRNA-4157 (V940): Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
A groundbreaking mRNA cancer vaccine called mRNA-4157 (V940) is currently undergoing trials in the UK. This personalized vaccine is designed specifically for melanoma but also shows potential for treating lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. It is tailored to each patient and has been hailed as a “gamechanger” in the field of cancer treatment.
The vaccine works by instructing the body to seek out and destroy cancer cells while preventing their recurrence. In a stage 2 trial involving Moderna and MSD, the vaccine showed promising results in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence among melanoma patients. Now, the vaccine is entering its final phase with a phase 3 trial led by the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).
Dr. Heather Shaw, the national co-coordinating investigator for the trial, is excited about the vaccine’s potential. She likens it to a culinary masterpiece from a Michelin-starred restaurant and emphasizes the customization of the vaccine for each patient. Patients are enthusiastic about this cutting-edge treatment and have high hopes for its success.
The innovative jab, mRNA-4157 (V940), is a personalized neoantigen therapy (INT) that functions like a cancer vaccine. It targets tumor neoantigens, which are unique markers expressed by tumors. The jab contains coding for up to 34 neoantigens, prompting an anti-tumor immune response based on the specific mutations in each patient’s cancer. To create the vaccine, a tumor sample is extracted during surgery, DNA sequencing is performed, and artificial intelligence is used to develop a personalized anti-cancer jab tailored to the patient’s tumor.
Dr. Shaw highlights the individualized nature of this therapy, comparing it to a bespoke solution for each patient’s unique tumor landscape. The goal is not only to treat the existing cancer but also to prevent recurrence by targeting residual cancer cells that may not be detectable through conventional imaging techniques. The phase 2 data showed promising outcomes, with patients receiving the jab alongside MSD’s immunotherapy Keytruda experiencing reduced risks of cancer recurrence or death compared to those receiving Keytruda alone.
Now, as the phase 3 global trial begins, efforts are being made to recruit more participants, aiming for around 1,100 individuals. The UK arm of the trial, which includes centers in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Leeds, plans to enroll at least 60 to 70 patients. This trial is a significant step forward in the pursuit of personalized and effective cancer treatment.
Advancing Cancer Treatment: The Promise of Combination Therapy Trials
The combination therapy involving mRNA-4157 (V940) is also being tested for lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. One of the patients participating in the trial at UCLH is Steve Young, who was diagnosed with melanoma after initially thinking a bump on his head was harmless. This diagnosis came as a shock to Young, who feared an early demise due to his father’s passing. Learning about the trial and the cutting-edge mRNA technology gave Young hope that this therapy could stop the progression of the disease.
Dr. Shaw shares Young’s optimism and believes these therapies have the potential to revolutionize immunotherapy. She emphasizes the need for adjunctive treatments with minimal side effects, which these therapies appear to address. Common side effects of the mRNA vaccine include fatigue and mild discomfort at the injection site, similar to routine vaccinations.
Professor Lawrence Young of the University of Warwick is also excited about this development in cancer therapy. He sees it as one of the most thrilling advancements in the field and anticipates its extension to other types of cancer, such as lung and colon cancers. Vassiliki Karantza, associate vice president of MSD Research Laboratories, emphasizes MSD’s dedication to pioneering research in early-stage cancer treatment and expanding treatment options for melanoma and other types of cancer.
In conclusion, the mRNA-4157 (V940) cancer vaccine is a groundbreaking therapy that offers hope to patients with melanoma and potentially other types of cancer. Its personalized approach and ability to target specific mutations make it a promising treatment option. The ongoing trials and the enthusiasm of patients and experts indicate that this vaccine could revolutionize cancer treatment and provide new possibilities for those affected by the disease.