Bengaluru, Karnataka [India]: Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar, a leading medical oncologist at the Solaris Cancer Centre in Bangalore, today shared his views on the latest global developments in messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines. He acknowledged that the mRNA cancer vaccines are capable of delivering a promising cure for treating cancer.
Moreover, recent scientific advances hold promise for delivering a credible and feasible solution to treat severe cases of cancer. Looking ahead, he believes that with adequate clinical data and their information in international science journals, prescribing mRNA cancer vaccines is a plausible option.
How does an mRNA vaccine function to combat cancer?
An mRNA cancer vaccine delivers messenger RNA sequences encoding tumour antigens into a patient’s cells, typically via lipid nanoparticles. The vaccine instructs immune cells to make neoantigens—proteins from the patient’s tumour. Specialized cells display these neoantigens on their surface. The patient’s immune system recognizes them and activates specific T-cells to find and destroy cancer cells as they have the same markers. The entire process focuses on creating a customized immune response to solely target and eliminate the patient’s cancer.
mRNA vaccines are therapeutic and reduce the risk of recurrence. Oncologists may give them before primary cancer treatment starts. They are also combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for a more effective treatment. Monotherapy vaccines have limits when treating immunosuppressive tumours. Some development has been seen in Colorectal cases and Brain tumor (Glioblastoma) and Melanoma are next in line.
He adds, “The cohesion between mRNA vaccines and checkpoint inhibitors is a game-changer,” said Dr. (Lt. Col.) Kumar. “The vaccine trains the immune system to identify cancer cells. The ICI then removes the brakes, allowing those trained immune cells to mount a powerful and sustained attack.”
Explaining this concept, he states that mRNA cancer vaccines are developed with the capability to harness the body’s immune system and enable it to recognize and destroy cancer cells, along with the production of tumour-specific antigens. With the possibility of personalized neoantigen vaccines, which are developed to combat unique tumour mutations in the patient and their use in conjunction with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
He is particularly interested in advances in personalized neoantigen vaccine research, either alone or combined with checkpoint blockade, which is now being studied in many Phase I/II programmes.
Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge that checkpoint blockade plays a crucial role in tumour immunosuppression, as these vaccines can enhance tumour-specific T-cells. Therefore, combination trials with inhibitors should also be conducted and studied.
Dr. (Lt. Col.) Kumar also draws attention to the two main types of mRNA cancer vaccines: personalized neoantigen vaccines and shared antigen (off-the-shelf) vaccines. Personalized vaccines are tailored to target unique mutations in each patient’s tumour, while shared antigen vaccines are formulated to target antigens common to most tumours, though potentially at the risk of immune tolerance or other side effects.
He notes that the preferred vaccine delivery platforms are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). These protect mRNA, help cell uptake, and regulate biodistribution. Research continues on optimizing ionizable liquids, particle size, and dosing routes—such as intramuscular, intranodal, and intra tumoral.
Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar states, “I foresee considerable progress in mRNA vaccines and am keen to implement them for cancer patients, committed to restoring their health. I am dedicated to providing cancer treatment to international standards, staying current by participating in clinical trials and contributing to medical publications.”
Following recent groundbreaking announcements, particularly from Russia on high-efficacy mRNA vaccines and rapid rollouts of indigenously developed mRNA cancer vaccines, Dr Kumar emphasizes the need for the medical community to rely on evidence from international scientific journals. Substantial support for such claims includes transparent, peer-reviewed clinical trial reports with registration, detailed protocols, and independent data verification.
To conclude, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar believes mRNA vaccines offer significant promise in cancer treatment, potentially enabling patients to recover faster and with fewer side effects.
About Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar
ESMO-certified, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar is an emphatic patient-centric oncologist. He has acquired expertise in various treatment approaches, viz, precision medicine, preventive oncology and bone marrow transplant. His evidence-based approach ensures comprehensive cancer treatment on par with international standards for every patient he treats. He is avidly interested in cancer research and actively participates in clinical trials. For instance he has contributed to research and development in oncology at the ASCO 2022, where he co-authored an important clinical trial. He has also mentored the upcoming generation of doctors and medical professionals.
An extremely dynamic oncologist, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar, is keen to offer comprehensive cancer treatment via virtual communication technology in the remotest regions across India, benefiting patients with cancer with poor access to modern day facilities.
Contact Dr. (Lt. Col.) Manish Kumar
Solaris Cancer Centre,
248, 249/101, opp. Kodandarama Temple,
Sneha Nagar, Byatarayanapura,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092
Email: admin@solarisoncology.com
Phone: +91 9871175835
