MELANOMA, the deadliest form of skin cancer, remains notoriously aggressive and difficult to treat in advanced stages. While early-stage patients (stage I–II) can achieve over 90% five-year survival rates with surgery, those in stages III–IV face high risks of recurrence and metastasis, even after tumour removal.
Traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy offer limited success in these cases, and while immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as PD-1 blockers have transformed treatment, they remain ineffective in up to 40% of patients and can cause serious autoimmune side effects.
Against this backdrop, melanoma vaccines are emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy. These vaccines work by activating the immune system to recognise and attack tumour cells, while also creating immune memory for long-term protection. Their safety profile and ability to enhance the effects of ICIs make them especially valuable for patients at high risk of relapse after surgery.
Recent technological advances have propelled the development of various vaccine types, including cell-based, peptide, nucleic acid, and viral vector vaccines. Innovations such as mRNA vaccine optimisation and novel platforms like nanovaccines and phage vaccines are addressing existing challenges, ranging from high production costs to limited efficacy in late-stage patients. Combining vaccines with ICIs or targeted therapies, alongside the use of multi-omics and AI tools, is paving the way for more personalised and effective treatment plans.
Although most melanoma vaccines are still in clinical trials, their development marks a pivotal shift from passive treatment to active immune engagement. This study highlights the latest breakthroughs in vaccine technology and underscores the potential of personalised immunotherapy to transform outcomes for patients with high-risk or advanced melanoma.
Reference
Zhang Y et al. A milestone in the shift from “passive killing” to “active immunomodulation” in cancer treatment-progress in melanoma vaccine research. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2025;DOI:10.1007/s11864-025-01340-6.
