Hope in one of the deadliest forms of cancerAmerican woman beats pancreatic cancer – thanks to a vaccination

American woman was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago

When Donna Gustafson, now 72, showed signs of jaundice during a trip to Australia in 2019, she had no idea that it would turn her life completely upside down. A little later, doctors made the shocking diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. For many patients this is a shock with fatal prospects. But Donna was given a chance that is now seen as a real ray of medical hope.

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Pancreatic cancer: Personalized mRNA vaccination gives hope

As NBC News reports, the American woman's tumor was initially removed surgically. She then received a custom-made mRNA vaccination at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. To do this, the doctors used material from their own tumor. The goal: The immune system should recognize the cancer cells and fight them specifically.

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Cancer study shows strong long-term results

Donna Gustafson was part of the first small study with 16 patients. Eight of them showed a measurable immune response. According to current data, almost 90 percent of patients in this group are still alive six years after treatment. This is remarkable in the case of pancreatic cancer because around 90 percent of those affected usually die within five years.

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Donna herself has so far been spared from a relapse. For researchers, this is not yet definitive proof, but it is a strong signal. A larger study with 260 participants is now underway.

Sources used: NBC News, Click on Detroit