Russia’s Ministry of Health has announced a groundbreaking development in cancer treatment—a personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine that will be distributed free of charge starting early 2025.
The innovative vaccine, designed to treat cancer rather than prevent tumor formation, uses genetic material extracted from a patient’s tumor. Each dose is estimated to cost the government approximately 300,000 rubles ($2,869).
Andrey Kaprin, head of the Radiology Medical Research Centre of the Ministry of Health, described the vaccine as a significant advancement in oncology. While the specific cancers it targets remain undisclosed, the treatment marks a notable milestone in personalized medicine.
The vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells by introducing tumor-specific antigens. These unique proteins on the surface of cancer cells stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can effectively target and destroy malignant cells.
Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, explained that creating personalized vaccines is currently time-intensive due to the complex mathematical calculations involved. However, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are streamlining the process.
“We are working with the Ivannikov Institute, which uses neural network computing to significantly reduce the time needed for vaccine customization—from several days to as little as 30 minutes to an hour,” Gintsburg stated.
This initiative comes as cancer cases in Russia continue to rise. Over 635,000 new diagnoses were recorded in 2022, with colon, breast, and lung cancers being the most prevalent. The government’s decision to provide the vaccine free of charge underscores its commitment to addressing the growing cancer burden.
Russia’s efforts align with global advancements in personalized cancer vaccines.
In the U.S., researchers at the University of Florida have developed a customized vaccine for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. Early trials have shown promising immune responses within two days of injection.
In the UK, scientists are testing a personalized vaccine for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, with initial results indicating improved survival rates.
