An experimental vaccine targeting the KRAS gene mutation has proven safe and generated durable immune responses in people at elevated risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a phase 1 clinical trial published in Cancer Discovery by the American Association for Cancer Research.
The mKRAS-VAX vaccine stimulated KRAS-specific T-cell responses in 90% of the 20 participants, producing an 18.2-fold median increase in immune responses targeting the mutated protein. Both CD4-positive and CD8-positive T-cells were generated, with memory T-cells persisting for up to two years. After a median follow-up of 16.5 months, none of the participants had developed pancreatic cancer or high-risk lesions requiring surgery. Five patients saw complete radiographic resolution of small pancreatic cysts, while three others showed partial regression.
All 20 participants had a hereditary predisposition to pancreatic cancer and imaging-identified pancreatic abnormalities. Adverse effects were mild to moderate, including fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Vaccinations were administered between April 2022 and February 2026.