Novel nano-vaccine for melanoma developed

Researchers have developed an effective nano-vaccine for melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer.

The approach developed by researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel has so far proven effective in preventing the development of melanoma in mouse models and in treating primary tumours and metastases that result from melanoma.

The focus of the research, published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, is on a nanoparticle that serves as the basis for the new vaccine.

Melanoma develops in the skin cells that produce melanin or skin pigment.

"The war against cancer in general, and melanoma in particular, has advanced over the years through a variety of treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy; but the vaccine approach, which has proven so effective against various viral diseases, has not materialised yet against cancer," said Professor Ronit Satchi-Fainaro from TAU.

"In our study, we have shown for the first time that it is possible to ...