A personalized mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna with Merck reduced the risk of melanoma returning or causing death when added to Keytruda, Merck’s established immunotherapy, in a Phase 3 trial. The study enrolled 1,137 people with stage IIB-IV melanoma that had been surgically removed; participants were assigned in a 2-to-1 ratio to receive the vaccine plus Keytruda or Keytruda plus placebo. The vaccine, intismeran, is designed individually by identifying mutations in a patient’s tumor and encoding up to 34 of them in synthetic mRNA, prompting the immune system to target cancer cells.
After two years, 82 percent of patients receiving the vaccine combination were alive without recurrence, compared with 70 percent receiving Keytruda alone - a 42 percent reduction in the relative risk of recurrence or death. The combination also reduced the risk of distant metastasis or death by 38 percent: 88.5 percent remained alive without distant spread, versus 80 percent in the comparison group. The benefits were smaller than those reported in an earlier five-year Phase 2 study, but the companies describe this as the first Phase 3 trial to show a meaningful improvement over Keytruda alone on both measures. They are discussing approval with regulators, and the full results have been accepted for publication in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
![A simplified proof of ETH is False [pdf]](https://hntoday.pixelshot.io/screenshots/20261027/4cf93cef081f42a3_tn.jpeg)
The Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH) conjectures that certain problems cannot be solved in subexponential time. A paper shows that a simplified argument claiming to prove ETH is false. (shivakintali.github.io)
Imagining movements activates many of the same brain systems as performing them, though signals to the muscles are inhibited. Studies show mental practice can improve motor learning and performance, complementing physical training. (nautil.us)
![The Exponential Time Hypothesis Is False [pdf]](https://hntoday.pixelshot.io/screenshots/20261026/eac4664270214aef_tn.jpeg)
The Exponential Time Hypothesis says that 3-SAT cannot be solved in subexponential time. The paper argues that this hypothesis is false, challenging a common assumption in computational complexity. (github.com)
OpenAI worked with academic researchers on a result challenging the Exponential Time Hypothesis, a major conjecture about how quickly certain computational problems can be solved. The work presents evidence that the hypothesis is false. (openai.com)
Early NASA spacesuits used custom-fitted diapers, requiring male astronauts to provide measurements so the garments would fit securely. The sizing process became an awkward but practical part of preparing for spaceflight. (chron.com)
Neanderthals and other human relatives had sophisticated abilities, and ancient DNA shows some were absorbed into modern humans through interbreeding. Their disappearance raises unresolved questions about why Homo sapiens became the only surviving human species and how much that outcome owed to ability or chance. (nytimes.com)
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