In a groundbreaking development, scientists have reported a major breakthrough in the fight against lethal brain tumours. A new mRNA vaccine, tested in its first human trial, has shown the ability to attack malignant glioblastoma within 48 hours of administration, raising hopes for a potential cure.

The breakthrough vaccine, developed by researchers from the University of Florida, activates the immune system to specifically target the most aggressive form of brain cancer. In the initial trial, the vaccine was tested on just four patients, where it triggered a robust immune response to fight the tumour cells in a remarkably short time frame.

Senior author Elias Sayour, a UF Health paediatric oncologist and pioneer of the vaccine, expressed his surprise at the swift and significant response observed in the patients. Within 48 hours, the tumours transformed from "immune cold", with limited immune cells and a silenced immune response, to "hot," indicating an active immune response against the cancer.

Typically, glioblastoma has a survival rate of approximately 15 months, and the current standard of care involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This groundbreaking discovery opens up a new avenue for activating the immune system to combat treatment-resistant cancers, similar to the mRNA technology used in Covid-19 vaccines.

The vaccine's unique approach involves utilizing each patient's own tumour cells to create a personalized vaccine. Using genetic material called RNA extracted from the tumour, messenger RNA (mRNA) is amplified and then packaged into the vaccine. When reintroduced into the patient's bloodstream, this engineered vaccine prompts an immune system response by making tumour cells appear as a dangerous virus.

The positive results observed in this initial trial align with findings from previous studies involving 10 pet dogs with brain tumours and clinical trials conducted on mice. Although it is too early to measure the clinical effects, the patients in the trial either lived disease-free for longer than expected or survived longer.

Dr. Sayour expressed optimism about the potential of this breakthrough vaccine to revolutionize cancer treatment. He believes it could become a new paradigm for patient care, serving as a platform technology to modulate the immune system and potentially synergize with other immunotherapies. The combination of immunotherapies could further enhance the effectiveness of treating such aggressive forms of cancer.

As a result of this promising development, further clinical trials will be conducted, with 24 brain cancer patients set to participate. Researchers are hopeful that this breakthrough vaccine will continue to yield favorable results, potentially paving the way for a revolutionary new treatment option for patients battling aggressive brain tumours.