A Neoantigen Vaccine for Melanoma?

Results from a randomized trial make a compelling argument that cancer vaccines warrant further investigation.

Harnessing the immune system through a vaccine to prevent recurrence of metastatic cancer has long been a tantalizing but elusive aim in tumor immunotherapy. A number of negative phase 3 studies in the last decade dampened enthusiasm for cancer vaccines, but the tide seems to be turning. Now, investigators present results from the industry-sponsored, phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 trial, the first randomized study of a neoantigen vaccine plus pembrolizumab with a clinical efficacy endpoint.

Leveraging new technology in the form of an mRNA vaccine — that used for the successful COVID-19 vaccine — researchers created a platform to deliver a unique, personalized, cancer-specific neoantigen vaccine (mRNA-4157 [V940]) based on each patients' individual can…

Reviewing Author

Margaret Callahan, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb, Immunocore, AstraZeneca/MedImmune

EquityMerus

Grant/Research SupportNIH, V Foundation

Margaret Callahan, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb, Immunocore, AstraZeneca/MedImmune

EquityMerus

Grant/Research SupportNIH, V Foundation

A Neoantigen Vaccine for Melanoma?

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Reviewing Author