In a remarkable breakthrough, Russia has introduced a new mRNA-based vaccine aimed at treating cancer patients, according to reports from Indian Business Today. This innovative treatment is expected to roll out in early 2025 and will be provided at no cost to citizens, as stated by state-run media outlets.
The customized vaccine utilizes genetic material extracted from the patient’s tumor and is projected to cost the state approximately 300,000 rubles (around USD 2,869) per dose. Andrey Kaprin, the head of the Radiology Medical Research Centre under the Ministry of Health, announced, “Our objective is to treat those already affected by cancer, rather than merely preventing tumor development.”
Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, elaborated on the complex process of creating the vaccine.
“Producing personalized vaccines currently requires considerable time because the generation of custom mRNA is akin to advanced mathematical modeling. We are collaborating with the Ivannikov Institute to incorporate AI, specifically neural network computing, which will significantly reduce the time needed for these calculations to just 30 to 60 minutes,” Gintsburg shared in an interview with TASS.
This vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells by using components from the patient’s tumor. It enables the body to identify specific proteins, known as antigens, that are present on cancer cells’ surfaces. Once introduced, these antigens prompt the immune system to generate antibodies, effectively targeting and destroying cancer cells.
Cancer incidence in Russia has been on the rise, with over 635,000 new cases reported in 2022 alone. The most frequently diagnosed cancers include colon, breast, and lung cancers.
This new vaccine aligns with similar initiatives in Western countries focused on developing personalized cancer treatments. In the United States, researchers at the University of Florida have been testing a tailored vaccine for glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive brain cancer. Initial results have been encouraging, showing a strong immune response within just two days of administration.
In the UK, scientists are also conducting trials for a personalized vaccine targeting melanoma, the most lethal skin cancer, with early data suggesting improved survival rates.
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