2023-10-26 11:09:32
Title: Promising Combination Therapy Shows Potential in Cancer Treatment, Initial Results Indicate
By Natalie Hull-Deichsel | October 26, 2023, 11:09 a.m.
Mainz-based pharmaceutical company BioNTech is making significant strides in cancer treatment with a new combination therapy. Preliminary results from phase I and II studies show that the combination of existing immunotherapy with CAR T cells and an mRNA vaccine has the potential to halt tumor growth in patients.
Every year, around 500,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with cancer, with only about half of them being cured. Recognizing the urgent need for new treatment options, researchers have been focusing on innovative approaches to combat this disease.
The combination therapy developed by BioNTech provides a future-oriented therapeutic approach for cancer patients, including those in younger age groups. It holds promise for various types of cancer, such as lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and testicular cancer, as it has been shown to shrink tumors and carcinomas in patients.
It is important to note that while this therapy involves a vaccine, it is not a preventive measure against cancer. Instead, the therapy aims to treat and potentially prevent the recurrence of cancer in patients who are already sick. By vaccinating patients with a small section of mRNA from cancer-specific proteins, the immune system is trained to recognize and fight tumor cells effectively.
CAR T-cell therapy forms the basis of this cancer treatment. The therapy involves modifying white blood cells taken from the patient’s blood and reintroducing them to the patient’s body. These modified cells can then target and attack the tumor cells specifically. However, the efficacy and longevity of these cells can be improved, which is where the mRNA vaccine comes into play.
The mRNA vaccine aims to enhance the functionality of CAR T cells, increasing their response rate across different types of tumors, including ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, uterine cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer. By targeting certain proteins on cell surfaces, the mRNA vaccine shows promise in benefitting a wide range of cancer patients with varying cancer types.
While these initial results are encouraging, further research through phase III trials is necessary before the mRNA vaccine can be approved for cancer treatment and made available to patients. The process of approval and development typically takes several years.
It is important to note that the information provided in this article is general and not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. This information should not replace a visit to the doctor, and the editorial team is unable to answer individual medical questions.
Source: Federal Ministry of Education and Research – National Decade against Cancer project group]
#Therapy #mRNA #vaccines #inhibits #tumors