Irish scientists have reported preliminary success in testing an mRNA vaccine designed to combat childhood neuroblastoma, a severe form of cancer. This research, conducted by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, Ireland, demonstrated the vaccine's ability to slow tumor growth and significantly shrink tumors in preclinical models. The findings were recently published in the journal Molecular Therapy Oncology.
The mRNA vaccine, developed by a team led by Dr. Olga Piskareva, utilizes peptide chains as vectors to target neuroblastoma tumors. In preclinical studies, the vaccine prompted the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells, extending tumor growth delay by 10-11 days and reducing tumor size by up to 70%.
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Illustration: IMT |
Neuroblastoma remains a leading cause of cancer-related death in children, accounting for approximately 15% of such fatalities. In Ireland alone, 5-10 new cases are diagnosed each year, with about 80% of patients showing poor response to existing treatment protocols. The challenge is compounded by the fact that recurrent neuroblastoma is particularly difficult to treat due to drug-resistant cancer cells.
Dr. Piskareva explained that this mRNA vaccine technology operates like Lego pieces, offering scientists the flexibility to combine various components. This approach enables the personalization of vaccines for individual patients with high precision. Furthermore, the vaccine targets Glypican 2 (GPC2), a protein present on neuroblastoma cancer cells and other tumor types, suggesting potential for expanded application across diverse forms of cancer.
“We are only at the initial stage of mRNA vaccine development, but this first milestone has yielded positive results,” Dr. Piskareva stated. Researchers hope this new strategy could pave the way for more effective treatments for pediatric patients in the future.
Binh Minh (According to News Medical, Irish Medical Times)
