Physicians and scientists are finding accu ter apivide compelling new evidence that messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have the potential to improve effective cancer treatment, especially in patients on immunotherapy. In the U.S., teams have performed studies that underscore a significant association between mRNA vaccination and improved survival outcomes. This discovery is especially promising for patients with deep-seated forms of lung and skin cancers. Those results were released in the highly regarded science journal Nature.
mRNA, which is naturally found in every single cell of the body, is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions necessary for all protein production. This largely untested technology is what lies at the heart of many of the vaccines, including Pfizer’s and Moderna’s. Researchers across the globe are busily investigating ways to use mRNA. Their approach is to train immune cells to better recognize and attack tumors.
At The University of Queensland, a dedicated facility known as the BASE mRNA facility is at the forefront of this research. As deputy director of the BASE mRNA facility, Associate Professor Seth Cheetham uses no-waste mRNA technology in his research — but what does that mean?
“Doctors may soon have an unexpected, powerful new option for treating cancer,” – Associate Professor Seth Cheetham.
According to recent research, lung cancer patients who received a COVID-19 vaccine during the first 100 days of their treatment experienced much more favorable outcomes. Their odds of surviving three years hence were almost twice those of individuals who did not get the vaccine. Likewise, melanoma patients had dramatically extended median survival times when vaccinated in the time window.
The researchers discovered that mRNA seems to boost the potency of some immunotherapies, like checkpoint inhibitors. Adam Grippin, a researcher at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy who worked on this study, focused on the transformational nature of these findings.
“Ultimately, we hope that this approach will help many patients who are treated with immune therapy, and especially those who currently lack effective treatment options,” – Adam Grippin.
This data—albeit observational—indicates a clear and strong connection between mRNA vaccination and improved survival. Remember that this study was done retroactively. For now, Associate Professor Cheetham warned against making any sweeping conclusions before more validation.
“This demonstrates association, not proof,” – Associate Professor Seth Cheetham.
He went on to emphasize the importance of more rigorous clinical trials to verify these results.
“Despite lining up with laboratory models and experiments from patient blood, a gold-standard randomized controlled trial is required to definitively prove that mRNA COVID vaccines are effective in cancer treatment,” – Associate Professor Seth Cheetham.
The continuing work to understand how mRNA can help make immunotherapy more effective speaks to the powerful progress being made in cancer research. If further studies affirm these results, it could lead to standardizing mRNA vaccines as part of treatment protocols for cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
