UCLH Leads Final Phase Trial of AI-Developed mRNA Vaccine for Melanoma

University College London Hospitals (UCLH) is leading the final phase trial of an AI-developed mRNA vaccine called mRNA4157 (V940) for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The vaccine, designed to be given alongside the drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab), aims to prevent the recurrence of melanoma after surgical removal and has the potential to stop the recurrence of bladder, lung, and kidney cancer as well.

The mRNA4157 vaccine is a personalized treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight a specific type of cancer by using the patient's tumor DNA and AI to determine the appropriate treatment. It works by providing the body's cells with instructions to make specific proteins found on cancer cells, known as neoantigens, which helps the immune system recognize and respond to the cancer.

The third phase of the global trial will include over 1,000 participants worldwide, with at least 60 to 70 patients scheduled to be recruited at eight centers in the UK. One of the first participants is Steve Young, a 52-year-old UK musician who had a stage II melanoma removed previously. "I'm keen to be part of this trial and to help prove the vaccine's effectiveness," Young said.

Why this matters: The mRNA4157 vaccine trial represents an exciting development in the use of mRNA technology and AI for cancer prevention and treatment. If successful, it could potentially change the way we approach melanoma and other types of cancer, offering a more personalized and effective treatment option for patients.

The trial is a collaboration between Moderna, the company behind one of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, and pharmaceutical company MSD. Earlier phases of the trial have already shown encouraging results, with a 44% reduction in recurrence or death 18 months after surgical removal of high-grade melanoma. While experts caution that vaccines are not the only solution for cancer treatment and there are still complex challenges ahead, they describe this as one of the most exciting developments in modern cancer treatment.

Key Takeaways

• UCLH leading final phase trial of AI-developed mRNA vaccine for melanoma
• Vaccine aims to prevent melanoma recurrence, potential for other cancers
• Personalized treatment using patient's tumor DNA and AI to determine treatment
• Global trial to include over 1,000 participants, 60-70 in the UK
• Vaccine trial represents exciting development in mRNA and AI for cancer