Cancer cure? Russia commences human trials of revolutionary personalized cancer vaccine
Russia's Gamaleya Center, famed for Sputnik V, will initiate human trials for a personalized mRNA melanoma vaccine by late 2025. This innovative vaccine, tailored to individual tumor genetics using AI, aims to stimulate the immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells.
In a landmark advancement for oncology and personalized medicine, Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology—the creators of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine—announced this year that it will begin human clinical trials of the world's first personalized mRNA-based melanoma vaccine within the next few months.
Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya Center, confirmed that this groundbreaking vaccine, tailored specifically to the genetic profile of individual patients’ tumors, will start experimental administration as early as September-October 2025 in collaboration with leading Russian oncology institutions.
Q. What are melanoma cells
A. Melanoma cells come from melanocytes, the skin cells that give it color. When these cells grow too much and become cancerous, they cause melanoma, a dangerous kind of skin cancer that can spread fast if not treated early.
Q. What is mRNA, and how is it used in vaccines?
A. mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell’s protein-making machinery. It acts like a messenger, conveying the code needed to build specific proteins that perform various functions in the body. In vaccines, mRNA teaches cells to produce a harmless piece of a virus or cancer antigen, triggering the immune system to respond and protect the body.
Q. What is a personalized cancer vaccine?
A. Personalized cancer vaccine is a tailored immunotherapy designed to train the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack their specific cancer cells. It uses information from the patient’s tumor genetics to create a unique vaccine that targets tumor-specific mutations, differing from general vaccines.