How does the personalised mRNA melanoma vaccine work, according to the BBC's Fergus Walsh?

BBC medical editor Fergus Walsh explained that doctors take a sample of each patient's tumour and map the mutations unique to that cancer. Using the same mRNA technology found in many Covid vaccines, the jab then teaches the immune system to recognise that genetic fingerprint and destroy any cancer cells left behind after surgery.

Walsh has followed the trial for more than three years.
He called it proof of principle that a personalised treatment vaccine can be effective.
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Global News Podcast (2026-10-31). Read the whole episode summary →

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