mRNA COVID vaccines may improve survival rates in cancer patients, Study shows - Video

Scientists have discovered that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do more than just fight infection-they may also significantly improve survival in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. A recent study published in Advanced Research analyzed data from over 1,000 patients treated between 2019 and 2023 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Those who received an mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immune checkpoint therapy were twice as likely to be alive three years later compared to unvaccinated patients.

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may help immunotherapy by boosting the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. When given around the time patients start checkpoint inhibitor treatments-drugs that “unmask” cancer for the immune system-these vaccines act like an alarm, alerting immune cells to target tumors more effectively. This study showed that cancer patients vaccinated within 100 days of starting immunotherapy were twice as likely to survive three years later.

The research further suggests that mRNA vaccines “train” the immune system, strengthening its ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, especially when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. These immunotherapy drugs help reveal cancer cells that evade immune detection. Early animal studies and clinical observations support the idea that mRNA vaccines act as a “wake-up call” for the immune system, enhancing tumor recognition and destruction. Lab studies showed that vaccination raised PD-L1 protein on tumors, which checkpoint inhibitors then block, allowing the immune system to target cancer more effectively.

The finding builds on earlier work by University of Florida researchers who initially developed personalized mRNA cancer vaccines and noticed that mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases might have similar effects. These insights are leading to plans for a Phase III trial testing mRNA vaccines as routine complements to immunotherapy, especially for “cold” tumors that usually resist treatment. In advanced lung and metastatic melanoma cancers, vaccinated patients had notably longer survival times, sometimes nearly doubling expected outcomes.

Lead researcher Dr. Adam Grippin called the results “extraordinary,” highlighting the potential for repurposing mRNA vaccine technology to transform cancer therapy worldwide. While more research is needed to verify mechanisms and optimize treatment, this innovative strategy offers hope for better outcomes and new avenues in oncologic care.

Reference: Grippin, A.J., Marconi, C., Copling, S. et al. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09655-y