An experimental vaccine targeting one of the most common genetic drivers of pancreatic cancer has shown early success in preventing the disease in patients at high risk, researchers have reported.

The study, published in Cancer Discovery, is believed to be the first human trial to demonstrate that a vaccine targeting the KRAS gene mutation can safely generate long‑lasting immune responses.

KRAS mutations are found in most cases of pancreatic cancer and in early cancerous lesions. The vaccine, mKRAS‑vax, works by training the immune system to recognise and destroy cells carrying any of six types of these mutations before they progress to cancer.

The vaccine successfully stimulated immune cells capable of recognising and remembering KRAS mutations in 18 participants — a 90 percent response rate. After a median follow‑up of 16.5 months, none of the participants had developed pancreatic cancer.