Morning Checkup | Cancer vaccine reduces recurrence risk and death INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Moderna and Merck’s intismeran, a mRNA vaccine, taken along with Merck’s immunotherapy, Keytruda, reduces the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 49% after 5 years.   Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, affecting more than 1.5 million Americans in 2023. The study population included over 1,100 individuals with surgically removed stage 2b-4 melanoma. Participants were randomized to receive nine doses of intismeran and Keytruda or Keytruda alone for one year.  The vaccine is personalized, based on analysis of a patient’s tumor following surgical removal. This analysis allows the vaccine to prepare the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack the genetic mutations of the cancer cells.   Common vaccine side effects include fatigue, injection site pain, and chills.  Moderna and Merck plan to apply for regulatory approval within the coming months. ...read more read less