Russia's cancer vaccine shows positive results in first patient, say researchers

Russian researchers have reported promising results from the first patient who received the mRNA-based cancer vaccine 'NeoOncovac'. According to them, the vaccine is generating an immune response that helps fight cancer in the patient's body.

Alexander Gintsburg, Scientific Director of the Gamaleya Research Institute, said the first patient who received the vaccine is currently well and showing positive effects. He claimed the vaccine is helping to activate the immune system against tumours and metastatic cancer cells .

Last year, Russia's Health Ministry approved two domestically developed personalised cancer treatments: the mRNA-based vaccine 'NeoOncovac' for advanced melanoma, and the peptide-based drug 'Oncopepet' for colorectal cancer .

In April this year, the 'NeoOncovac' vaccine was administered for the first time to a 60-year-old melanoma patient. The patient, diagnosed with stage III melanoma and metastatic cancer, is currently undergoing treatment at the Herzen Oncology Research Institute in Moscow .

Researchers said the patient will receive two more doses, and their immune response will be closely monitored throughout the full course of treatment.

Meanwhile, work is underway to prepare personalised melanoma vaccines for another 10 patients, which are expected to be ready within the next one-and-a-half to three months, Gintsburg said .

Andrey Kaprin, head of Russia's National Medical Research Centre of Radiology, explained that the technology involves analysing the genetic profile of a patient's tumour and healthy tissue to create a customised vaccine. The goal is to train the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells .

Russian health officials also reported positive immune responses in patients receiving the colorectal cancer drug 'Oncopepet'. Additionally, work is ongoing to develop new treatments for pancreatic, kidney and non-small cell lung cancers .

However, the research is still in its early stages. Larger-scale clinical trials and independent scientific evaluations are needed to confirm the vaccine's effectiveness and safety .

Source: RT, RIA Novosti