A personalised vaccine could help delay pancreatic cancer from returning
What the study looked at
This early-stage study explored whether a personalised mRNA vaccine could help support the immune system after surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) - the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Researchers trialled the vaccine in people who had undergone surgery and were receiving standard treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The vaccine — tailored to each individual — was developed to target small, unique changes (called neoantigens) found in their cancer cells. These neoantigens act as biological flags, helping the immune system identify and respond to lingering cancer that may not have been removed through surgery or treatment.
The goal was to see whether the vaccine could generate a strong and lasting immune response, particularly from T cells, which are specialised immune cells known to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The study involved tracking the activity and lifespan of these T cells over a follow-up period of just over three years.
What this means
The results showed that in half of the participants, the personalised vaccine successfully triggered a strong T cell response — and importantly, these immune cells lasted. Some remained active for years, and in these individuals, the cancer was less likely to return during the study period.
What’s particularly encouraging is the longevity of these T cells. Researchers estimated that some may stay in the body for decades, continuing to recognise and respond to any cancer cells that reappear. This kind of long-term immune memory is what makes mRNA vaccines — like those used in COVID-19 — such a powerful tool in disease prevention.
While the study was small and further research is needed to confirm these results in larger groups, it offers real promise. It suggests that mRNA vaccines may one day form a new layer of protection after surgery, giving people more time cancer-free — and potentially improving long-term survival.
What happens next
While these findings are promising, the study was in the early phase and involved a small number of people — so the next step is to test this vaccine in larger clinical trials. A global randomised trial is already underway to see if the results hold true across more people and settings.
Researchers are also continuing to explore how these vaccines can be fine-tuned — for example, identifying which neoantigens make the strongest immune targets, and how best to time the vaccine alongside chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
If these results are confirmed, it could mark a meaningful shift in how we support people after pancreatic cancer surgery — not by replacing existing treatments, but by adding a personalised immune defence that stays active long after hospital care ends.
Reference: Sethna, Z., Guasp, P., Reiche, C. et al. RNA neoantigen vaccines prime long-lived CD8+ T cells in pancreatic cancer. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08508-4