Clinical advances of mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.

The development of mRNA vaccines represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, with more than 120 clinical trials to date demonstrating their potential across various malignancies, including lung, breast, prostate, melanoma, and more challenging cancers such as pancreatic and brain tumors. These vaccines work by encoding tumor-specific antigens and immune-stimulating molecules, effectively activating the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Despite these promising advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in achieving efficient delivery and precise regulation of the immune response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent clinical progress in mRNA cancer vaccines, discusses the innovative strategies being employed to overcome existing hurdles, and explores future directions, including the integration of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and advancements in mRNA design. Our aim is to provide insights into the ongoing research and clinical trials, highlighting the transformative potential of mRNA vaccines in advancing oncology and improving patient outcomes.