News Health & Medicine

An mRNA cancer vaccine may offer long-term protection 

A small clinical trial suggests the treatment could help keep pancreatic cancer from returning

A scanning electron microscope image of a pancreatic cancer cell that shows intricate details of the cell’s membrane, with a textured appearance, spiky protrusions and a connecting bridge between cells.

With the help of an mRNA vaccine, the immune system can learn to spot pancreatic cancer cells (shown in a false-color scanning electron micrograph) in the body.

Science Photo Library - STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/Getty Images Plus

By Meghan Rosen

A new mRNA vaccine could prevent pancreatic cancer from returning — potentially for the long haul.

In a small clinical trial, some patients who received the vaccine remained cancer-free for more than three years, researchers reported February 19 in Nature.