A personalized mRNA cancer therapy, developed by Merck and Moderna, shows a 49% reduction in melanoma recurrence or death over five years when combined with immunotherapy drug KEYTRUDA.
Results from the Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 study were presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. The analysis included 157 patients with high-risk stage 3 and 4 melanoma whose tumors had been surgically removed.
The combination therapy, intismeran autogene, is designed using mutations from the patient's own tumor to teach the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Researchers report the therapy is well-tolerated with manageable side effects including fatigue, injection-site pain, chills, fever, and headache.
A Phase 3 trial is underway to confirm these findings. Moderna's Kyle Holen called the data evidence of potential prolonged benefit in high-risk patients. Merck's Dr. Marjorie Green noted the significant recurrence risk after surgery for stage 3 or 4 melanoma, calling the reduction a meaningful milestone.