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NewsLa OpiniónOctober 23, 2026Los Angeles County

Experimental mRNA Vaccine Combined with Keytruda Reduces Melanoma Relapse Risk

Photo: La Opinión

An experimental mRNA vaccine administered alongside Keytruda following surgery reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 42% compared to Keytruda alone, based on a median follow-up of about two years. The treatment is individually designed using genetic markers extracted from each patient's surgically removed tumor.

HealthMedical ResearchCancer TreatmentVaccinesPharmaceuticals
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Why It Matters

The clinical trial involved 1,136 patients and offers a potential new individualized therapeutic approach to prevent advanced melanoma from returning in lymph nodes or distant organs.

Key Facts

  • An experimental mRNA vaccine combined with Keytruda reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 42% compared to Keytruda alone.
  • Results are based on a median follow-up period of approximately two years.
  • The findings are scheduled to be presented in Madrid before the European Society for Medical Oncology.
  • The treatment is individually manufactured using genetic markers identified from each patient's surgically removed tumor.
  • A total of 1,136 patients participated in the clinical trial, receiving Keytruda alongside either the experimental vaccine or a placebo.
  • The mRNA technology utilized is the same platform used in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationModerna“Company whose COVID-19 vaccine uses the same mRNA technology platform.”locationMadrid“City where the clinical results are to be presented.”OrganizationKeytruda“Immunotherapy drug administered alongside the experimental vaccine.”OrganizationMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center“Medical institution where Dr. Michael Postow serves.”PersonDr. Michael Postow“Chief of the melanoma service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.”OrganizationSociedad Europea de Oncología Médica“European organization where study results will be presented.”OrganizationCNN“News network that interviewed Dr. Michael Postow.”