Results of an experimental pancreatic cancer vaccine targeting the KRAS gene mutation were published in Cancer Discovery, a journal published by the American Association for Cancer Research. These findings are based on a Phase I clinical trial involving 20 participants.
The study authors stated that the data obtained represents 'the first demonstration in humans' that a vaccine targeting the KRAS gene mutation can 'safely induce long-term immune responses, potentially preventing cancer development in at-risk individuals.'
The research was conducted by scientists from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University and the Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer in the United States. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is an aggressive tumor often diagnosed at late stages and has a low five-year survival rate.
Approximately 10% of cases are linked to hereditary predisposition caused by pathogenic mutations in specific susceptibility genes that are inherited. Mutations in the KRAS gene are present in most cases of pancreatic cancer and precancerous lesions. According to the findings, the vaccine allows the immune system to recognize and destroy cells carrying these mutations before they turn malignant.
The study evaluated mKRAS-VAX, a peptide vaccine targeting six of the most common KRAS gene mutations found in pancreatic cancer. A total of 20 participants, who had a hereditary predisposition to this tumor and an identified pancreatic anomaly via imaging, received the vaccine between April 2022 and February 2026.
The vaccine was administered in four doses over 13 weeks, and participant progress was monitored through blood tests and subsequent examinations. The research team concluded that 18 out of 20 participants (90%) developed a significant immune response, demonstrating an average increase in T-cell responses specific to the mutated KRAS gene by 18.2 times, indicating successful activation of immune cells capable of recognizing mutations.
After a median follow-up period of 16.5 months, none of the participants developed pancreatic cancer or a high-risk pancreatic lesion requiring surgical removal. The study also indicates that all side effects were classified as mild or moderate, including fatigue and flu-like symptoms.
Researchers emphasized that the primary goal of the study was to assess safety and immune response, not to determine the vaccine's ability to prevent pancreatic cancer. They also warned that the limited sample size and relatively short follow-up period restrict conclusions about effectiveness in clinical practice.
Elizabeth Jaffy, one of the lead co-authors of the study, noted: 'This is just the beginning, but the results suggest that the immune system is being activated,' adding that it is 'a good start toward prevention, something no one has thought about before.'
Spain has activated a heightened alert status in Andalusia after the detection of the West Nile virus in two traps set in two municipalities. One of these traps was part of the monitoring system of Seville province, the regional capital, whose government announced the introduction of a state of alert.
In the same region bordering Portugal, the circulation of the virus had already been confirmed this year in settlements such as Pulpi, Torredonjimeno, Palomares del Río, and Constantine, where an alert status had also been declared.
In June, the 'la Caixa' Foundation, which supported research by Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona (Spain), reported that the resurgence of mosquito-borne infections poses a growing threat to public health. This is particularly relevant because diseases such as Dengue fever and West Nile virus, traditionally confined to tropical and subtropical zones, are expanding their geographical reach.
Experts attribute this expansion to factors such as climate change or globalization. Furthermore, in April, the Countdown Europe 2026 report, published in Portugal, analyzed the impact of climate change on the ecological suitability for vector-borne diseases. This document, released in the specialized journal The Lancet, noted that the Greater Lisbon area is experiencing the greatest increase in the risk of Eastern Nile virus outbreaks, moving from near-zero levels to levels requiring active surveillance by health authorities.
Uzbekistan and Moscow reached an agreement to expand cooperation in the field of healthcare following meetings of the Uzbek delegation with Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.
During the meeting, the Russian side presented unified standards for managing Moscow's healthcare system. These standards include the digitalization of medical services and the implementation of a continuous patient referral system.
At City Polyclinic No. 220, which operates under the 'My Polyclinic' standard, the Uzbek delegation familiarized itself with the organization of primary medical and sanitary care, patient flow management, digital registration, and preventive care.
At the S.P. Botkin Scientific and Clinical Multidisciplinary Center, the delegation was shown approaches to managing multidisciplinary hospitals, organizing diagnostic and surgical services, patient referral systems, and the introduction of modern medical technologies.
Visiting a children's clinical hospital, participants observed a model of specialized pediatric care that combines diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and subsequent medical supervision. To study the palliative system, the delegation also visited the 'House with a Beacon' children's hospice and the Moscow Multidisciplinary Palliative Care Center, where mechanisms for supporting patients and families were presented.
Specialists at the Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies demonstrated the application of artificial intelligence and remote interaction capabilities between radiologists. The delegation also visited the Interdisciplinary Training Center for Innovative Surgical Technologies, where they studied the system of practical surgeon training using simulation equipment and anatomical materials.
At the Moscow Laboratory Research Center, the delegation was shown robotic laboratory diagnostics, a three-tier laboratory network model, and a digital system for managing research data and test results. At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties agreed to prepare a roadmap for further cooperation, including the implementation of joint pilot projects involving relevant experts.
