Nonclinical development of RNA cancer vaccines: proof-of-concept testing, safety study design, and future prospects

Vaccine Insights 2023; 2(10), 417–427

DOI: 10.18609/vac/2023.55

Published: 9 November 2023
Regulatory perspective
Rondine Allen, Christopher Saeui

RNA-based vaccines are nascent technology currently in development for the treatment of multiple types of cancer. Prior to administration in a clinical trial, nonclinical testing of RNA-based vaccines is required to evaluate activity and characterize safety. This article will discuss: 

  1. Example types of mRNA cancer vaccines;
  2. Commonly used delivery methods for RNAs;
  3. Nonclinical approaches for evaluating activity;
  4. Considerations for evaluating safety; and
  5. Future prospects for RNA cancer therapeutics.