Keytruda dominates headlines as a PD-1 inhibitor shaping cancer immunotherapy; in latest news, personalised vaccines and large trials intersect with its use.
The experimental mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran, has been tested in a phase 3 trial with 1,000+ melanoma patients. It is personalised to each patient by analysing tumors and targets neoantigens. When given with pembrolizumab, it aims to boost the immune response and extend cancer-free time. Results indicate reduced recurrence risk, but long-term survival remains to be seen. Trials also explore other cancers.
Moderna has reported that its mRNA-based cancer vaccine, tested with Merck’s Keytruda, has prevented recurrence in a melanoma trial and shown a clinically meaningful improvement over immunotherapy alone. The findings could signal a shift toward personalized cancer vaccines, with a potential launch next year amid investor optimism.