Prevent and cure cancer

#151

49% reduction in cancer risk with mRNA cancer vaccine
(In August, RFK Jr announced $500M in cuts to mRNA vaccine research)

Moderna Cancer Vaccine Maintains 49% Risk Reduction in Five-Year Melanoma Study Follow-up

The companies have an expansive clinical program for the mRNA neoantigen therapy intismeran autogene in combination with immuno-oncology heavyweight Keytruda.

Merck and Moderna’s mRNA neoantigen therapy reduced the risk of recurrence or death in patients with advanced melanoma by nearly half at the five-year mark of a mid-stage trial when paired with Keytruda. The latest results build on the companies’ efforts to develop a long-term solution to the intractable skin cancer that often recurs even after complete removal via surgery.

The data come from an analysis of the Phase IIb KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, an open label trial that paired the therapy, called intismeran autogene, with Merck’s immuno-oncology juggernaut. Patients had high-risk stage three or four melanoma and underwent complete resection prior to receiving the treatment combo or Keytruda alone for a year.

In a readout at the three-year mark in December 2023, the combo reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 49% compared to Keytruda alone.

In Tuesday’s release, the companies said that number was the same at the five-year mark. They did not report what Keytruda alone achieved. The study originally reached the primary endpoint in December 2022, achieving a risk reduction of 44%.

Moderna and Merck said in a statement that the data builds on the analyses performed at two years and three years. Safety was consistent with previous readouts.

“While incremental,” William Blair analysts wrote in a note Tuesday morning, “we view today’s 5-year data update on intismeran as positive maintenance of an impressive effect over Keytruda monotherapy, the first therapy, to our knowledge, to show added benefit in this post-surgical setting.”

Prior Reporting:

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#152

Pancreatic Cancer: Top 10 Triggers for an Often-Silent Disease

Based on the Medscape commentary “Pancreatic Cancer: Top 10 Triggers for an Often-Silent Disease” (February 2026), the 10 factors commonly identified as primary triggers or risk factors are:

  • Smoking: Considered the most significant modifiable risk factor, accounting for a substantial percentage of cases.
  • Obesity: Excessive body weight, particularly central (abdominal) obesity, is strongly linked to increased risk.
  • Diabetes: Especially new-onset Type 2 diabetes, which can serve as both a risk factor and an early warning sign of the disease.
  • Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with heavy alcohol use or smoking, increases susceptibility.
  • Family History: Individuals with close relatives (parents or siblings) who have had pancreatic cancer are at higher risk.
  • Genetic Syndromes: Inherited genetic mutations, such as those associated with BRCA1/BRCA2 (breast/ovarian cancer), Lynch syndrome, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
  • Age: The risk increases significantly as people get older, with most diagnoses occurring after age 55.
  • Race and Ethnicity: Studies show a higher incidence rate among African Americans and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
  • Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats, saturated fats, and low in fruits and vegetables is a contributing factor.
  • Chemical/Environmental Exposure: Occupational exposure to certain pesticides, dyes, and chemicals used in metal refining, as well as heavy alcohol consumption (often linked to pancreatitis).

Story on Medscape:

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pancreatic-cancer-top-10-triggers-often-silent-disease-2026a10003ut

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