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A new Nature study reports that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may boost cancer immunotherapy. Reviewing outcomes for more than 1,000 late-stage melanoma and lung cancer patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors, those vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna within 100 days were over twice as likely to be alive at three years; patients whose tumors rarely respond saw nearly fivefold gains. Animal experiments suggest the vaccines act as an immune alarm, turning “cold” tumors “hot.” Researchers will launch a nationwide trial in lung cancer to test adding the vaccine to standard immunotherapy.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.