Custom-Made melanoma vaccine shows promise in early trial

NCT ID NCT01970358

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a personalized vaccine made from each patient's own melanoma mutations. The goal was to see if it is safe and possible to create such a vaccine. Fifteen people with advanced melanoma received the vaccine, and researchers checked for side effects and immune responses. The approach is highly individualized, aiming to train the body to fight future cancer cells.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Personalized NeoAntigen Cancer Vaccine (peptides plus Poly-ICLC adjuvant)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could pave the way for a personalized vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize and attack a patient's unique melanoma cells, potentially preventing the cancer from coming back.

What could go wrong

This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 15 participants, so the main goal is safety and feasibility, not effectiveness. The vaccine is custom-made for each person, which is complex and may not be possible for everyone. There is also a risk of immune-related side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cutaneous melanoma melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States