University of Florida researchers have developed a personalized mRNA vaccine to combat glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.

The vaccine works by reprogramming the immune system with information from the tumor's transcriptome, leading to immune activation and targeted attack on cancer cells.

Clinical trial results indicate patients experienced expected immune response side effects and some achieved months of progression-free survival.

The vaccine technology is similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines and is being refined for optimal dosing and integration with other immunotherapies.

An expanded Phase 1 clinical trial is underway, with plans to distribute the treatment to children's hospitals nationwide through a multi-institution consortium.

Published in Cell, the study notes the need for further research to reduce adverse effects and enhance immune system targeting, with future potential in early cancer detection.