Russian scientists claim 100% efficacy of EnteroMix cancer vaccine. This could be the first mRNA vaccine to be available against colon cancer, if approved

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Russian scientists have announced that the novel cancer vaccine EnteroMix is showing 100% efficacy and safety in early human trials. This result from Russia’s groundbreaking research could be a ray of hope for those suffering from cancer in the digestive tract, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of the disease. The vaccine is developed based on mRNA technology, a term that became popular during COVID-19 vaccine research.

The Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) has announced that “The Russian Enteromix cancer vaccine is now ready for clinical use”. The FMBA head, Veronica Skvortsova, said, “The mRNA-based vaccine had successfully passed preclinical trials, demonstrating its safety and high effectiveness”. The Ministry of Health's National Medical Research Radiology Centre has developed this vaccine in association with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology (EIMB) of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS).

How does mRNA vaccine EnteroMix work?

The personalized approach of Enteromix involves a detailed study of the patient’s tumour genomics, followed by tagging with specific biomarkers and sophisticated mutation-profiling algorithms. Skvortsova further mentioned in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF): “The vaccine will be customized for each patient, tailored to their individual RNA.”

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The mRNA vaccine, when introduced inside the body, trains cells to produce specific proteins to activate immune responses against cancer cells. This ultimately kills the tumour cells. In the year-long pre-clinical trials, researchers observed a reduction in the size of the tumor and reduced progression rates, ranging from 60% to 80%. Studies have further highlighted that the EnteroMix vaccine could also promote survival rates.

How is EnteroMix different from other cancer treatment approaches?

The traditional cancer treatment methods follow a one-size-fits-many strategy, which is a major reason behind medicine's underperformance. Patients with similar symptoms may have different types and stages of cancer, which often leaves experts confused and false diagnosis. On the other side, EnteroMix is developed based on the genetic makeup of the tumour to improve target specificity and immune response. Moreover, the mRNA approach allows scientists to scale up treatment methods even for different types of cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy or radiation methods, EnteroMix treatment doesn't usually render serious side effects

Step by step: What’s next for the EnteroMix vaccine?

With this humongous success rate, scientists are waiting for regulatory approvals along with ongoing trials. However, it’s too early to celebrate until long-term efficacy is proven clinically. The upcoming processes include handling generalizability and logistical challenges for personalized mRNA vaccine production as well as distribution. Globally, Colon cancer holds the second position in cancer-related deaths, according to the 2023 WHO reports. 

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The researchers are primarily focused on treating colorectal cancer, followed by glioblastoma, a terribly aggressive brain tumour, and a few specific types of melanoma. If approved, this revolutionary vaccine will become the first personalized mRNA vaccine to treat colorectal cancer.