Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine: Cancer is a serious problem, on hearing about which a person breaks down from within. If we talk about pancreatic cancer, then it is a very serious and fast growing cancer which occurs in the pancreas. Pancreas is an organ of the body that plays an important role in producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. This cancer is often not detected in its early stages because the pancreas is located deep in the body and its symptoms may initially be general or vague, such as stomach pain, weight loss or digestive problems, which may not seem so serious. By the time it is detected, in many cases it has spread to other parts of the body, making its treatment even more difficult.
For this reason, it is counted among the most dangerous and deadly cancers. According to statistics, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has doubled in the last two decades. Earlier it was about 2.5 to 3 out of 1000000 persons, now it has increased to 6 to 7. Recently, the trial of a vaccine for the treatment of this cancer has become possible, which has given a new direction in its treatment, know the whole thing.
What is mRNA vaccine to treat pancreatic cancer?
Recently, the trial of a vaccine named Autogene Sevumaran has raised a new hope in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This is a personalized vaccine that is prepared based on the genetic information (neoantigens) of the patient’s tumor and signals the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. According to the researchers, it is based on mRNA technology – a technology based on messenger ribo-nucleic acid (mRNA) that is used for treatment, not for reducing the risk of disease. This vaccine is given after surgery so that the microscopic cancer cells remaining in the body can be eliminated and the risk of cancer recurring can be reduced.
Also read: Heatstroke Symptoms: The body starts making gestures even before heatstroke, how to identify them?
Results of clinical trials – how much success was achieved
Talking about the results of clinical trials, in the Phase-1 study, a total of 16 patients were given Autogene Sevumaran vaccine after pancreatic cancer surgery. Along with this, chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug (checkpoint inhibitor) were also given to the patients. The vaccine was prepared individually according to the DNA of each patient’s tumor. The vaccine had a good effect in 8 out of these 16 patients. Their body’s immune system recognized the tumor and started producing T-cells that attack the cancer cells. Out of 8 patients, 7 remained alive even 4 to 6 years after surgery. On the other hand, out of the 8 patients in whom the vaccine did not respond, only 2 remained alive. After these good initial results, now Phase-2 clinical trial of this vaccine has been started, in which it is being tested on more patients. This study is going on at many other places including MSK (Memorial Sloan Kettering) in New York, so that its effect and safety can be understood better.
mRNA vaccine has emerged as a great hope for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Although its Phase-2 has just started, but it is being considered a big achievement in the field of medical science. Researchers believe that if similar results are obtained in Phase-2 and Phase-3, then it can bring revolutionary changes in the medical field.
Also read: World Malaria Day: Ignoring mild fever can be serious, it can lead to malaria.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator
