Málaga hospital leads trial for personalized mRNA melanoma vaccine

The Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga played a leading role in an international phase 3 clinical trial investigating a personalized messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine designed to reduce relapse risk in high-risk melanoma patients. The study, sponsored by pharmaceutical companies Moderna and MSD, achieved its primary objectives, showing statistically significant results in reducing the risk of relapse and the development of distant metastases.

Unlike standard vaccines, this treatment is tailor-made for each individual. Using mRNA technology, the vaccine is designed based on the specific characteristics of a patient's own tumor. The process involves comparing tumor tissue with the patient's healthy tissue to identify up to 34 tumor-specific proteins, or neoantigens, that the immune system can best recognize.

Of the 71 patients initially assessed for the study in Spain, 24 were from the Málaga hospital, representing approximately 34% of the national total—the highest proportion among the six participating Spanish hospitals. Ultimately, 15 patients from the facility were included in the trial.