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NewsWFLA News TampaOctober 23, 2026Hillsborough County

Moderna and Merck report mRNA cancer vaccine reduces melanoma recurrence by 42%

Photo: WFLA News Tampa

A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine called intismeran, combined with standard post-surgery treatment, reduced the risk of melanoma returning by 42% over two years compared to standard treatment alone, according to a study released by drugmakers Moderna and Merck. The custom-brewed vaccine, administered in nine doses three weeks apart, trains a patient's immune system to target gene mutations unique to their tumor. Study results showed 82% of patients receiving the vaccine lived without cancer recurrence after two years, compared to 70% receiving standard immunotherapy alone.

HealthMedical ResearchCancer TreatmentBiotechnology
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Why It Matters

Melanoma patients face a significantly lower risk of tumor recurrence when receiving the personalized mRNA vaccine alongside standard immunotherapy, altering post-surgery care outcomes for clinical trial participants.

Key Facts

  • A custom-brewed mRNA cancer vaccine called intismeran reduced the risk of melanoma returning by 42% two years after surgery when combined with standard Keytruda treatment.
  • The international clinical trial included more than 1,100 people with high-risk melanoma that was surgically removed.
  • Two years after treatment, 82% of participants in the vaccine group remained living without cancer recurrence compared to 70% who received standard Keytruda alone.
  • The personalized vaccine requires nine doses given three weeks apart.
  • The manufacturing process, from analyzing tumor genetics to producing the vaccine, takes roughly six weeks.
  • Moderna and Merck are in discussions with regulatory authorities regarding next steps for seeking approval of the vaccine.
  • Side effects of the vaccine reported by researchers included sore arms, fatigue, and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccinations.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationModerna“Drugmaker co-developing the mRNA cancer vaccine”PersonDr. Michael Atkins“Deputy director at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center”locationIndiana“State where Tony Hout resides”OrganizationMD Anderson Cancer Center“Research institution involved in the clinical trial”locationMadrid“Location of the European Society of Medical Oncology meeting”OrganizationLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center“Cancer center where Dr. Michael Atkins works”OrganizationEuropean Society of Medical Oncology“Organization holding a meeting in Madrid where study results were set to be rele”PersonDr. Hussein Tawbi“Researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center”locationHouston“Location of MD Anderson Cancer Center”OrganizationParker Institute“Institute helping fund cancer immunotherapy research”OrganizationMerck“Drugmaker co-developing the mRNA cancer vaccine and provider of Keytruda”PersonStephen Hoge“Moderna President”PersonKaren Knudsen“CEO of the Parker Institute”PersonTony Hout“Participant in the vaccine trial at MD Anderson”locationMassachusetts“Location of Moderna's special cancer vaccine manufacturing facility”locationWashington“Dateline location for the AP report”OrganizationGeorgetown University“Host of Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center”locationCayuga“City where trial participant Tony Hout moved”