Revolutionary MRNA vaccination: Hope for pancreatic cancer patients!

Revolutionary MRNA vaccination: Hope for pancreatic cancer patients!

Johannstadt, Deutschland - In Dresden, an innovative solution for patients with pancreatic cancer is being worked on in Dresden. The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) recently announced the start of a clinical study that deals with an individualized MRNA cancer vaccine. This new therapy shows promising approaches and could be an important step in the fight against one of the most deadliest types of cancer.

pancreatic cancer is known for its high relapse rate and the low five-year survival rate of only 25 to 33 %. According to the previous surveys, only every third to fourth patient survives five years after surgical tumor removal. Around 80 % of those affected experience a relapse shortly after therapy, which illustrates the urgency of new treatment options. Therefore, the new study is particularly relevant because it aims to activate the immune system with an individualized mRNA-based vaccine, called autogenic cevumeran, and thus attack remaining tumor cells. This is how [Johannstadt.de] (https://www.johannstadt.de/2025/06/nct-uc-dresden-biete- individualized-mrna-vaccination-baucheldrueskrebs-an/) on the innovative approach of research.

The study in detail

As part of the IMCODE003 phase 2 study, which is carried out by the NCT/UCC Dresden, medical experts are working to examine the effectiveness of the vaccine in combination with the PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab and chemotherapy (MFolfirinox). This therapy is only offered to patients who have been operated on and have so far not received chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Incidentally, the NCT/UCC Dresden is the only center in Saxony that takes part in this international study that requires close cooperation between different departments. Information on participation is available via the study secretariat, as well as [Lab-news.de] (https://lab-news.de/nct-dresden-startet-phase-phase-zi-studie-mrna-vaccine-against-belly-sparkle-druese cancer/). Interestingly, the MRNA vaccine is based on a phase 1 study in which a strong and long-lasting T cell immune response was found in half of the participants. These results give hope that such an immune response may correlate with a lower risk of relapse, which awakens hope for the patients.

clinical research with great potential

A previous investigation that was created in collaboration with scientists from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Biontech shows encouraging results: in about 50 % of the participants, the return of the tumor could be prevented. This is particularly noteworthy, since the general forecast for pancreatic cancer is often dark. 88 % of the diagnoses are fatal, and cancer tends to get back quickly. Relapses can often be observed within 7 to 9 months, which makes the success of mrNA immunotherapy all the more significant, as in other reports at [Euronews.com] (https://de.euronews.com/gesundheit/2023/16/erstudie-studie-success. is.

In this promising phase of research, it is particularly important to offer patients who have recently operated on a new hope. The individualized mRNA vaccine could significantly change the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer and thus give many affected new perspectives. The NCT/UCC Dresden actively interferes in this exciting development and could soon become part of a pioneering medical revolution.