New Phase 3 trial results for a personalised mRNA treatment for people with high-risk melanoma are encouraging, offering hope for further progress in reducing the risk of melanoma returning after surgery.
In August, we shared encouraging initial results from a personalised melanoma vaccine trial. Following the release of further findings, we explain what the latest results mean for people affected by melanoma.
The treatment, called intismeran, is designed using information from a person’s own tumour. The trial studied it alongside pembrolizumab, an existing immunotherapy, in people whose high-risk skin melanoma had been completely removed by surgery. The combination showed a 42% relative reduction in the combined risk of melanoma returning or death compared with pembrolizumab alone. Longer-term follow-up continues, and intismeran is not yet routinely available.
Rachel Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma UK, said:
“For people who have been treated for melanoma, the worry that it might return can be very difficult to live with. We welcome these encouraging results and the hope they bring to patients and families.
“People deserve clear information about what this progress could mean for them, alongside support with the questions and uncertainty they may have”.
“At Melanoma UK, we want research progress to make a difference to people’s lives. That means working together across charities, research and healthcare, listening to patients, and helping ensure fair access to advances in treatment and care.”
Find out more…
Our colleagues at Melanoma Focus explain the trial, its results and what they could mean for patients: Personalised mRNA Cancer Vaccine Reduces Risk of Melanoma Recurrence
