It now seems possible to vaccinate against cancer

Summary

The latest results are promising, but not yet definitive

“Vaccine breakthrough stops cancer returning in trial.” “Moderna shares more than double on success of mRNA cancer vaccine.” “Moderna, Merck breakthrough could usher in wave of cancer vaccines.” These were among headlines greeting news on August 19th of success in a trial of intismeran, a vaccine for melanoma, a skin cancer. The apparent breakthrough is good news. But is it a one-off, or will it open a portal to a new way of treating cancers in general?