Media coverage of study finding COVID-19 mRNA vaccine sparks immune response to fight cancer

On Oct. 22 in the journal Nature, MBI researchers published a study finding that patients with advanced lung or skin cancer who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy drugs lived significantly longer than those who did not get the vaccine.

The observation is a defining moment in a decade-plus of research testing mRNA-based therapeutics designed to “wake up” the immune system against cancer. Building on a previous UF study, the observation also marks a significant step toward a long-awaited universal cancer vaccine to boost the tumor-fighting effects of immunotherapy.

Sayour COVID collage

Below, see a few examples of coverage this study received from top media outlets across the world:

Associated Press: COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors

Fox News Digital: Cancer survival appears to double with common vaccine, researchers say

France24: mRNA Covid vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumours

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit: mRNA vaccines show promise in boosting cancer immunotherapy, says Dr. Elias Sayour

Healio: Potential ‘new paradigm’: COVID-19 mRNA vaccines boost response to cancer immunotherapy

Record (Brazil): Boa Notícia: Vacina contra Covid-19 pode ajudar a combater tumores do câncer

The Guardian: Covid vaccines may increase the lifespan of cancer patients – this could be a game changer

The Independent: Covid jab sparks immune response to fight cancer, study finds

The Manny Munoz Show: Dr. Elias Sayour on the Breakthrough Linking mRNA Vaccines to Cancer Immunity

The Times of India: Is this the beginning of the end for cancer? mRNA breakthrough hints at universal vaccine

The Washington Post: Study finds mRNA coronavirus vaccines prolonged life of cancer patients

Learn more about the study.