health

First patient receives mRNA cancer vaccine in Russia

Moscow — A personalized mRNA anti-tumor vaccine has been administered for the first time in clinical practice in Russia, to a patient with skin melanoma, the Russian Ministry of Health announced, assessing this step as a significant breakthrough in modern oncology.

First patient receives mRNA cancer vaccine in Russia

TL;DR

  • Russia has administered a personalized mRNA anti-tumor vaccine in a clinical setting for the first time.
  • The first patient received the "Neo-Onkovak" vaccine for skin melanoma, a highly aggressive cancer.
  • The vaccine is personalized based on the molecular-genetic characteristics of the patient's tumor.
  • The "Neo-Onkovak" project was developed in collaboration with the "Gamaleya" Center.
  • The vaccine helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells, including microscopic ones.
  • Health Minister Mikhail Murashko called it an important event for medical science and oncology, but noted it's an additional tool, not a panacea.