Ishita Roy

Can You Personalize Your Pancreatic Cancer Vaccinations?

Can you personalize your pancreatic cancer vaccination?

A recent study from Memorial Sloan Kettering <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a> Center suggests that adding a personalized mRNA vaccine to standard pancreatic cancer treatment could improve patient outcomes. While it is still in its early stages, the research does offer a potential breakthrough in one of the deadliest forms of cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, about an estimate of 67,440 people is given for people to be diagnosed with cancer. Around 3% of all these cases are in the United States and among 8% of those cases lead to death.

A 2024 study based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s database concluded that from 1999 to 2020, 810,628 people died from pancreatic cancer in the United States, which is an average of around 39,000 deaths per year.

Unlike traditional vaccinations that prevent disease, this tailored mRNA vaccine helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Each patient's vaccination is tailored using the genetic data from the tumor.

<h4>What Is The Treatment Procedure Like?</h4>

Removal of Tumor: During surgery, the surgeon removes the patient's tumor and sends it for analysis.

Vaccine Development: BioNTech, the German biotechnology company that created the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, creates a tailored vaccine based on the genetic changes discovered in the cancer.

Combination Therapy: Patients receive the vaccine along with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to boost the immune system's response.

Since the immune system typically has trouble recognizing cancer as a threat, the vaccine serves as a signal, telling the body to recognize and fight the disease.

The study had 16 patients, including 74-yar-old Barbara Brigham, who joined the trial after being diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer. "The prognosis was not good when I was diagnosed," Brigham told CBS News. "I just wanted to extend that time."

The trial results showed that eight patients developed a strong immune response and six of them remained cancer-free for more than three years later.

Seven of the eight patients who did not respond to the vaccine saw their cancer return. Researchers also believe that the spleen's role in immune function could be a factor for responding to the medication as patients who had their spleens removed also showed weaker responses. While these results are promising, experts caution that the trial was small, and more research is needed.

Surgical oncologists who also specialize in pancreatic cancer explain that teaching the immune system to fight cancer is challenging. However, the vaccine shows potential as a new avenue for treatment. Gastrointestinal oncologists also note that while the survival rates of the trial patients may have been similar to those receiving traditional treatment, the study does show that an mRNA vaccine can trigger a lasting immune response.

In fact, all experts believe that it is a great proof-of-concept study and can be an exciting step towards personalized cancer treatment.

Another larger, randomized trial is currently ongoing that focuses on early-stage pancreatic cancer patients whose spleens are intact.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

vaccinations

personalized vaccination

cancer

pancreatic cancer

cancer treatment

personalized cancer treatment

health news

new cancer treatment

What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Hot Water Everyday?

Coffee Is Harmful If You Swallow It, Says EU

Is Working Out On An Empty Stomach A Fitness Hack Or A Recipe For Disaster?

Health News

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

A recent study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center suggests that adding a personalized mRNA vaccine to standard pancreatic cancer treatment could improve patient outcomes. While it is still in its early stages, the research does offer a potential breakthrough in one of the deadliest forms of cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, about an estimate of 67,440 people is given for people to be diagnosed with cancer. Around 3% of all these cases are in the United States and among 8% of those cases lead to death.A 2024 study based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s database concluded that from 1999 to 2020, 810,628 people died from pancreatic cancer in the United States, which is an average of around 39,000 deaths per year.How Does The mRNA Vaccine Work?Unlike traditional vaccinations that prevent disease, this tailored mRNA vaccine helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Each patient's vaccination is tailored using the genetic data from the tumor.What Is The Treatment Procedure Like?Removal of Tumor: During surgery, the surgeon removes the patient's tumor and sends it for analysis.Vaccine Development: BioNTech, the German biotechnology company that created the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, creates a tailored vaccine based on the genetic changes discovered in the cancer.Combination Therapy: Patients receive the vaccine along with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to boost the immune system's response.Since the immune system typically has trouble recognizing cancer as a threat, the vaccine serves as a signal, telling the body to recognize and fight the disease.Are There Early Results?The study had 16 patients, including 74-yar-old Barbara Brigham, who joined the trial after being diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer. "The prognosis was not good when I was diagnosed," Brigham told CBS News. "I just wanted to extend that time."The trial results showed that eight patients developed a strong immune response and six of them remained cancer-free for more than three years later.Seven of the eight patients who did not respond to the vaccine saw their cancer return. Researchers also believe that the spleen's role in immune function could be a factor for responding to the medication as patients who had their spleens removed also showed weaker responses. While these results are promising, experts caution that the trial was small, and more research is needed.What Do The Experts Say?Surgical oncologists who also specialize in pancreatic cancer explain that teaching the immune system to fight cancer is challenging. However, the vaccine shows potential as a new avenue for treatment. Gastrointestinal oncologists also note that while the survival rates of the trial patients may have been similar to those receiving traditional treatment, the study does show that an mRNA vaccine can trigger a lasting immune response.In fact, all experts believe that it is a great proof-of-concept study and can be an exciting step towards personalized cancer treatment.Another larger, randomized trial is currently ongoing that focuses on early-stage pancreatic cancer patients whose spleens are intact.