Russia’s Ministry of Health has announced a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment: a personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine, which will be available free of charge starting early 2025.

This innovative vaccine is designed to treat cancer by using genetic material extracted from a patient’s tumor to create a tailored therapy. Each dose is estimated to cost the government around 300,000 rubles ($2,869).

Andrey Kaprin, head of the Radiology Medical Research Centre, described the vaccine as a major breakthrough in oncology. “This marks a significant leap forward in cancer treatment,” he said. While specific cancer types targeted by the vaccine have not been disclosed, it is being hailed as a milestone in personalized medicine.

The vaccine trains the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells by introducing tumor-specific antigens—proteins unique to cancer cells—that stimulate the production of antibodies capable of targeting and eliminating malignant cells.

Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre, emphasized the role of advanced technology in expediting vaccine production.

“Currently, creating personalized vaccines is time-consuming due to complex mathematical computations,” he explained. “But with neural network computing developed by the Ivannikov Institute, the customization process has been reduced from several days to just 30 minutes to an hour.”

This initiative comes as cancer rates in Russia continue to rise, with over 635,000 new cases reported in 2022. The most common diagnoses include colon, breast, and lung cancers. By offering the vaccine free of charge, the Russian government aims to address the growing cancer burden and improve patient outcomes.

Russia’s development aligns with a global trend toward personalized cancer vaccines. In the U.S., researchers at the University of Florida are testing a customized vaccine for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, with early trials showing promising immune responses within two days.

Similarly, UK scientists are developing a personalized vaccine for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, with initial results indicating improved survival rates.

As cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, Russia’s innovative approach offers renewed hope, setting a benchmark for global efforts in the fight against this devastating disease.