by Natasha Bhatt / May 4, 2024
In a recent study from University of Florida, an mRNA cancer vaccine has shown great potential in treating glioblastoma, the deadliest kind of brain tumor. The vaccine uses lipid nanoparticles and mRNA technology to rewire the immune system and to specifically target cancer cells.
Lead researcher Dr.Elias Syour stated “Instead of us injecting single particles, we’re injecting clusters of particles that are wrapping around each other like onions, like a bag full of onions.” Dr. Elias Sayour, the lead researcher, has developed an innovative approach that includes clustering lipid particles to improve immune response and trigger fast activation against tumors. This process–shown in preclinical research and trials including pet dogs– suggests a strong immune response.
This cancer vaccine’s effectiveness provides hope to patients with glioblastoma facing an average survival time of 15 months alone. Despite the experiment being in its early stages, the cancer vaccines have shown fundamental change in cancer therapy. Dr. Sayour hopes that the vaccination can be used as a supplemental therapy to boost the efficacy of existing medications and therapies. Furthermore, researchers are taking initiatives to extend the vaccine’s benefits to pediatric patients by working together with the Pediatric Neuro Oncology Consortium.
Despite the effectiveness of this treatment, challenges remain to determine optimal administration schedule and minimize side effects. Nonetheless, the vaccine’s capacity to quickly rapidly reprogram the immune system offers hope for the long term efficacy of immunotherapy. To sum up, the mRNA cancer vaccine is a major advancement in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Citations:
Ktori, S. (2024, May 3). Cancer vaccine tested in glioblastoma patients shows potential of mrna aggregates. GEN. https://www.genengnews.com/topics/cancer/cancer-vaccine-tested-in-glioblastoma-patients-shows-potential-of-mrna-aggregates/
Comentários