US skin cancer vaccine proves to be safe and effective

January 25, 2021  12:07

Clinical trials showed that the American NeoVax vaccine against skin cancer is proved to be safe and protected volunteers from the reappearance of tumors.

The vaccine is based on the principle of immunotherapy: by its action, it directs a person's own immunity to fight cancer cells, TASS reported.

The new vaccine can help eradicate aggressive forms of melanoma. The tool was created on the basis of neoantigens - parts of incorrectly folded protein molecules that changed their shape due to mutations in the genome of cancer cells. There are no neoantigens in healthy cells. With their help, scientists propose to acquaint the immune system with cancer cells. Thus, the immune system will attack only cells with neoantigens without affecting healthy tissues.

Scientists have analyzed neoantigens of cells of aggressive forms of melanoma, isolated from eight volunteers. Each person received their own personalized vaccine. The vaccine was administered several months after the removal of the tumors to avoid the return of the disease.

The observation period lasted four years, and none of the volunteers died. Their immunity was able to successfully attack cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading.

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