Nizhny Novgorod residents with melanoma will be able to receive the mRNA vaccine for free.

      June 30, 2026 18:11 Society Residents of the Nizhny Novgorod region diagnosed with "skin melanoma" can participate for free in a treatment program using the personalized mRNA vaccine "Neovak-RONC" in combination with immunotherapy. This was reported by healthcare specialist of the region Alexey Nikонов.

      The drug is made individually for each patient based on cells from their own tumor. The vaccine is used in conjunction with immunotherapy to reduce the risk of disease recurrence.

      Patients over 18 years old with stage IIIB-IIID skin melanoma are eligible to participate. A mandatory condition is the presence of metastases in the cervical, groin, or axillary lymph nodes that have not yet been removed but are subject to surgery. Additionally, the patient must not have previously undergone chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

      Patients with primary metastases are not allowed to participate, as fresh tumor tissue is required for vaccine production.

      There are also a number of contraindications. The program is not suitable for patients with other oncological diseases in their history, melanoma of non-skin localization, active autoimmune diseases, severe heart pathologies, hepatitis B or C, HIV infection, syphilis, as well as pregnant women.

      The program includes examination, biopsy, preoperative therapy with the drug "Pembrolizumab," surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, and subsequent administration of the individual mRNA vaccine.

      To apply, it is necessary to send an excerpt from medical documents, results of histological studies, and data from CT, MRI, or PET-CT to the email vaccine@ronc.ru, indicating contact details for feedback. All materials will be reviewed by oncologists at the center.

      Earlier, we reported that an AI assistant began conducting express diagnostics at a Nizhny Novgorod hospital. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+