Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer globally, affecting both men and women. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, its high incidence and mortality are largely due to late diagnoses and the aggressive nature of tumor cells.
Conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have improved survival rates for many patients. However, there remains a critical need for more targeted and effective therapies that reduce recurrence and improve quality of life.
In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment. This strategy enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells.
The mRNA vaccine technology, which gained global recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrated the potential to stimulate a highly targeted immune response. Researchers have now explored its application in cancer treatment, opening new possibilities in oncology.
The BNT116 Vaccine: Approach and Design
The vaccine, named BNT116, was developed by the biotechnology company BioNTech and follows the same principle as mRNA vaccines used for infectious diseases. It works by packaging mRNA sequences that encode specific tumor antigens for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These mRNA molecules are encapsulated in liposomes, forming a complex known as RNA-lipoplex, which protects the mRNA from degradation and facilitates its delivery into antigen-presenting immune cells.
Once inside the cells, the mRNA instructs them to produce tumor-specific antigens. These antigens are then displayed on the cell surface, triggering an immune response. The immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign elements, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes and other immune mechanisms to selectively target tumor cells expressing the same antigens.
Global Scope of Clinical Trials
The first phase of the BNT116 clinical trial, known as LuCa-MERIT-1, has been described as a historic milestone. The study recruits patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in seven countries:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
