Researchers may be one step closer to preventing deadly cancer recurrences. A new early-stage study suggests that an experimental vaccine could help delay or even stop the return of pancreatic and colorectal cancers linked to KRAS mutations.
Targets KRAS mutations
The vaccine, known as ELI-002 2P, is designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells driven by KRAS mutations, which are among the hardest to treat.
Tested in high-risk patients
The phase 1 AMPLIFY-201 trial included 25 patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer who still had cancer DNA in their blood after surgery, putting them at high risk of relapse.
Off-the-shelf approach
Unlike personalized vaccines, ELI-002 2P is standardized and ready-to-use, meaning it can be more widely available and less costly.
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Improved relapse-free survival
Patients in the trial had an average relapse-free survival of 16.3 months, much longer than the typical five to six months seen in similar patients without the vaccine.
Extended overall survival
Average overall survival reached nearly 29 months, a notable improvement compared to historic outcomes for these cancers.
Biomarker clearance
About 24% of participants experienced a complete disappearance of tumor biomarkers in their blood, indicating strong treatment response.
Strong T-cell responses
Two-thirds of patients developed robust immune responses against tumor-related mutations, boosting their chances of avoiding recurrence.
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Pancreatic cancer potential
Because up to 95% of pancreatic cancers carry KRAS mutations, the vaccine could open new doors for one of the deadliest cancer types.
Hope for broader prevention
Experts suggest future studies could explore whether the vaccine might one day help prevent cancer from developing in at-risk individuals.
More trials underway
Larger randomized studies, including the AMPLIFY-7P trial, are ongoing to confirm these results and determine whether the vaccine can become part of standard care.
Article is based on information from Medical News Today
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