A new experimental cancer vaccine, called ELI-002, has shown great promise in early trials, suggesting it could be a game-changer for patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Developed by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and other institutions, the vaccine is designed to train the immune system’s T cells to target specific cancer-linked mutations.
The vaccine targets KRAS gene mutations, which are common in both types of cancer and can fuel their growth. In a recent Phase I trial, 25 patients who had undergone standard treatment but still had residual cancer cells received six doses of ELI-002 and lived free of cancer recurrence for an average of 15 months – significantly better than usual.
The results showed that 85% of patients generated an immune response to the targeted KRAS proteins, with two-thirds experiencing a strong response. Booster shots also improved immune responses, leading to longer survival times and reduced cancer recurrence.
While Phase I trials are not conclusive, these findings suggest a breakthrough in cancer vaccines is possible. The vaccine is now moving forward to a larger Phase II trial expected to begin in 2026. If successful, ELI-002 could be used in 90% of pancreatic cancers and 50% of colon cancers with the same mutation.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/experimental-off-the-shelf-cancer-vaccine-is-already-prolonging-lives-study-suggests-2000641841