Russian researchers report encouraging results from personalised mRNA cancer vaccine Neooncovac, but say further studies are needed to establish its effectiveness
MOSCOW: Russia’s experimental cancer vaccine has shown encouraging early results after doctors detected no new tumours in its first patient during four months of monitoring. The 60-year-old man, who has melanoma, completed treatment with the personalised mRNA vaccine Neooncovac.
Alexander Gintsburg, scientific director of the Gamaleya Research Institute, reported the findings in November. He said doctors continue to examine the patient monthly using high-resolution CT scans, particularly around the lymph nodes.
How Does Russia’s Cancer Vaccine Work?
Neooncovac uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Researchers develop each vaccine using genetic information from an individual patient’s tumour. The first patient began treatment in April 2026 at Moscow’s Herzen Oncology Research Institute. His melanoma was initially diagnosed in 2021 and later affected his lymph nodes.
More Patients Receive Experimental Treatment
According to Gintsburg, six patients have received the vaccine so far. The treatment involves 10 administrations, while doctors continue monitoring patients for potential side effects and signs of disease progression. Researchers aim to treat 20 patients by the end of 2026. Russian authorities have also allocated funding for the treatment and monitoring of 120 patients across 2026 and 2027.
Impact to Expect
The findings offer an encouraging development in personalised cancer treatment. However, researchers have not established whether Neooncovac can deliver lasting remission or improve survival.
Gintsburg cautioned that the absence of detectable metastases does not prove a complete cure. Doctors plan to monitor patients over several years. Larger clinical studies and independently reviewed results will be essential before researchers can determine the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
