Chilean scientists develop breakthrough melanoma vaccine using marine protein

Researchers in Chile have developed an experimental therapeutic vaccine for advanced melanoma using a protein derived from a native marine mollusc, opening a promising new chapter in the fight against aggressive skin cancer, as reported by El Ciudadano, a partner of TV BRICS.

The vaccine was created by scientists working in Santiago and is designed to stimulate the immune system to recognise and attack tumour cells in patients who no longer respond to standard immunotherap.

The innovation is based on a protein extracted from Concholepas concholepas, a mollusc widely found along the Chilean coast. Scientists combined this natural immune stimulant with processed melanoma tumour cells to create a therapeutic vaccine aimed at enhancing the body’s anti-cancer response.

According to researchers, the marine-derived component acts as a powerful immune activator, helping the body’s T cells identify and destroy cancer cells that would otherwise evade immune detection. The approach is considered particularly significant for so-called “cold tumours”, which are typically resistant to conventional immunotherapies.

Initial clinical trial results involving patients with stage IV melanoma have generated cautious optimism. Participants had previously failed to respond to established anti-PD-1 immunotherapy treatments. Following administration of the vaccine, researchers observed disease stabilisation in several patients, while one participant demonstrated a partial tumour response.

The study also revealed important immune-system activation markers, suggesting the vaccine successfully triggered a targeted anti-tumour response.

According to the source, scientists involved in the project describe the development as a milestone for Chilean biomedical research, noting that the vaccine was designed, produced and clinically tested entirely within the country.