Cuba evaluates clinical trial for advanced melanoma treatment

The Center for Molecular Immunology of Cuba is evaluating a clinical study involving the 2C12 molecule for patients with advanced melanoma. The trial is being conducted in two provinces: Havana, at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital, and Villa Clara, at the Celestino Hernández Robau Oncology Center.

The therapeutic candidate, 2C12, functions similarly to pembrolizumab by stimulating the immune system to fight tumor cells. This initial stage of the study targets advanced melanoma cases that cannot be treated with surgery, as well as patients with metastatic lung tumors in second-line treatment and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

Developing this alternative aims to provide accessible therapeutic options due to the high costs of international oncological medications and the difficulties Cuba faces in acquiring them.