Personalized Cancer Therapy: The Role of Individualized Neoantigen Therapy

Dundee Patient Becomes the First in Europe to Receive mRNA-Based Cancer Therapy, personalized cancer treatment as part of a global clinical trial

Jennifer Robertson, 59, from Broughty Ferry, is undergoing treatment for gastro-oesophageal cancer and was administered an investigational therapy known as mRNA-4157 (V940).

“I’m excited and privileged to be the first person in Europe to have this treatment, that’s really something special.”

independent.co.uk

This therapy, developed by Moderna and MSD, uses technology similar to that of the Covid-19 mRNA vaccines.

The treatment, part of a Phase 1 clinical trial, has only been provided to four other patients with the same cancer type worldwide. It involves analyzing the biological makeup of the patient’s tumor to identify potential immune system targets.

Based on this analysis, a custom mRNA therapy is created to stimulate the patient’s immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells. The therapy is administered via injection.

The Tayside Cancer Centre, affiliated with the University of Dundee and NHS Tayside, is one of 38 centers globally participating in the trial.

The study also includes patients with non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer. Jennifer will receive up to nine doses of the therapy in combination with standard treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.

Jennifer was diagnosed in July after experiencing symptoms like acid reflux and difficulty swallowing.

“I’d had two endoscopies and a CT scan done so I’d heard the word cancer many times before I was given my diagnosis, but it was still a shock.

There is only one outcome for me and that is that I’m going to overcome it and beat it – it’s a very positive fight and I’m going to get through it. Anything I can do along the way to help cancer research, I’m happy to do.” – she said.

During this Phase 1 clinical trial, the therapy is planned to be administered to only 20 patients worldwide who have gastro or gastro-oesophageal cancer.

Professor Russell Petty, a Medical Oncology expert at the University of Dundee and Director of Research and Development at NHS Tayside, is overseeing the trial in Scotland. The study is also being conducted at hospitals in London, Manchester, and Oxford.

“This therapy aims to provide a new approach to engaging the patient’s own immune system to fight their cancer. This trial is establishing critical foundations that bring us closer to developing therapies for solid tumours that are potentially efficacious, less toxic and more precise.

It is currently being used alongside other cancer treatments in patients who are receiving surgery to remove their tumours, but ultimately if successful the therapy could have much broader use in the future.” – said Professor Russell Petty

dundee.ac.uk

Individualized neoantigen therapy works by directing the immune system to target and destroy tumor cells, aiming to eliminate the cancer or prevent its recurrence after surgery.

This approach focuses on neoantigens – specific proteins found on the surface of tumor cells. Since each patient’s tumor is unique, it may contain a distinct combination of neoantigens, and some are more effective at triggering an immune response than others.

“This is a very novel treatment approach which could transform the way we treat cancer, and these trials are the beginning of that journey. Every patient who this works for provides us with more knowledge to improve the way we treat cancer.” – said Professor Russell Petty

To develop this personalized therapy, a biopsy is taken from the patient’s tumor and analyzed to identify the neoantigens it contains. Based on these findings, a custom therapy is created to target the identified antigens. When administered, the treatment helps activate the immune system to specifically attack and eliminate the tumor cells.

“An INT creates an anti-tumour immune response within the body and amplifies it. Previous trials which have looked at mRNA-4157 in other types of cancer suggest that this approach may be effective.

Now we need to increase participation numbers in these trials and follow patients over a number of years to find out more about their long-term benefits.” – said Professor Petty 

 About Moderna

Moderna is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It specializes in mRNA technology, focusing on vaccines and therapeutics. The company gained global recognition for its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax (mRNA-1273), one of the first mRNA-based vaccines authorized during the pandemic.

Moderna’s research pipeline includes vaccines for infectious diseases, as well as cancer immunotherapies, cardiovascular treatments, and therapies for rare diseases. Its innovations include advancements in mRNA delivery and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology.

About MDS

MSD, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme, is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1891 and headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It operates in the pharmaceutical, vaccine, and animal health sectors.

Merck is renowned for its oncology treatment Keytruda, as well as its Gardasil vaccine for HPV prevention. The company also offers treatments in cardiovascular, diabetes, and infectious diseases, and is a major player in animal health.

With operations in over 140 countries, Merck focuses heavily on research and development, working on cutting-edge therapies for cancer, rare diseases, and vaccines.