Interim data from the Phase I dose escalation part of the mRNA cancer immunotherapy (mRNA-4359), show promise in patients with advanced solid cancers. The investigational mRNA cancer immunotherapy is targeted for patients with lung cancer, melanoma and other solid tumors. Nineteen patients with advanced stage cancers received between one and nine doses of the immunotherapy treatment.
Scientists have found the immunotherapy created an immune response against cancer and was well tolerated, with adverse events including fatigue, injection site pain and fever. Results from the Phase I trial, also the first-in-human study of the therapy, are being presented on Saturday, 14 th September at the European Society of Medical Oncology conference in Barcelona by the UK Chief Investigator of the trial from King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The trial is sponsored by Moderna.
The mRNA immunotherapy is just one of many cancer vaccines entering clinical trials around the world. The therapy works by presenting common markers of tumors to patients’ immune systems, training them to recognize and fight cancer cells that express them and potentially eliminate cells that could supress the immune system. The Phase I trial was designed to test the safety and tolerability of the immunotherapy, and secondary and tertiary objectives were to assess the radiographic and immunological responses.
Eight out of sixteen patients who could have their responses evaluated .