The University of Iowa is conducting a groundbreaking melanoma vaccine trial that tailors each vaccine to the genetic information of individual patients. While existing treatments for melanoma exist, researchers aim to enhance preventive measures to avoid cancer recurrence.

The trial combines personalized vaccines with pembrolizumab immunotherapy, creating a vaccine uniquely crafted for each patient based on the genetic characteristics of their tumor. Over a thousand patients nationwide have enrolled in the trial, with each participant receiving up to nine doses of the personalized vaccine before final results are shared.