Personalized cancer vaccines, such as the mRNA-based «Neooncovac», are moving from clinical trials closer to broader clinical application. These vaccines are created individually for each patient: after a biopsy, scientists analyze the tumor’s genetic profile to identify unique neoantigens, then synthesize an mRNA sequence that instructs the immune system to recognize and attack the specific cancer cells. Initially, the focus has been on patients with melanoma, particularly those with inoperable or metastatic forms, often in combination with other immunotherapies. The goal is to «teach» the immune system to target the tumor more effectively. While this represents a significant step forward, experts stress that these are therapeutic vaccines (not preventive) and that further long-term studies are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy across different cancer types.
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