Read, Watch or Listen

Preliminary research in Nature suggests Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 shots may strengthen checkpoint inhibitor therapy for advanced lung and skin cancers. Reviewing nearly 1,000 cases at MD Anderson, researchers from Houston and the University of Florida found patients vaccinated within 100 days of starting treatment lived longer; vaccinated lung cancer patients were nearly twice as likely to be alive at three years. The mRNA appears to “act like a siren,” sensitizing immune‑resistant tumors. Non‑mRNA vaccines showed no similar effect. The team is preparing a more rigorous trial pairing mRNA shots with checkpoint inhibitors.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.