DUBLIN — Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences tested an mRNA vaccine using peptide carriers in preclinical models of neuroblastoma.

In preclinical models, the vaccine delayed tumor development by 10 to 11 days. The vaccine also reduced tumor size by 70%. The vaccine prompts the immune system to recognize neuroblastoma. The research team was led by Dr. Olga Piskareva, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine at RCSI.

The vaccine utilizes self-assembling peptide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are designed to target Glypican 2 (GPC2), a protein located on the surface of neuroblastoma cells. GPC2 is also present on cells in several other cancer types.

Neuroblastoma accounts for 15% of childhood cancer deaths. About five to ten neuroblastoma cases are diagnosed each year in Ireland. Eighty percent of neuroblastoma patients do not respond to currently available treatments.

Dr. Piskareva said the mRNA vaccine technology allows for customization. "The mRNA vaccine technology is like LEGO bricks. By combining different bricks, we can tailor the vaccine to the individual needs with high precision. This pilot study indicates promising potential in the development of anticancer vaccines for neuroblastoma." Piskareva said.

The study was published in the journal Molecular Therapy Oncology. E. King is the lead author of the published paper. Researchers conducted the study in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy at Queen's University of Belfast. Funding for the research came from the Irish Research Council, the Higher Education Authority, the Health Research Board, and the Conor Foley Neuroblastoma Cancer Research Foundation.

No independent assessment was available for this report.