LINCOLN, Neb. – Lincoln-based NHO Revive is proud to announce its selection as the only clinical research site in Nebraska participating in INTerpath-002, a global, Phase 3, randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of V940 (mRNA-4157), a cutting-edge, personalized cancer vaccine in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®), Merck’s leading anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, for patients with resected Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (N2) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
This advanced study is sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (MSD) and Moderna, aimed at revolutionizing personalized cancer immunotherapy. As the sole Nebraska site, NHO Revive continues to break ground by bringing next-generation treatment options directly to the region’s patients, treatments that are often only available at large academic institutions or out-of-state centers.
The trial tests an investigational combination including mRNA-based cancer vaccine designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack tumor-specific neoantigens. Adjuvant therapies given after primary cancer treatment are critical in preventing recurrence, especially in high-risk populations. Unlike traditional adjuvant treatments, this novel approach harnesses mRNA to deliver personalized instructions to the immune system.
“This trial represents a major step forward in how we could think about treating lung cancer,” said Dr. Kailash Mosalpuria, Medical Oncologist at Nebraska Hematology-Oncology. “By combining the power of immunotherapy with a personalized mRNA vaccine to target cancer more precisely, we’re offering patients here in Nebraska the opportunity to test tomorrow’s treatments today.”
NHO Revive is committed to contributing to the development of life-extending therapies and to ensuring that patients have access to promising investigational treatments close to home.
About V940 (mRNA-4157)
V940 (also known as mRNA-4157) is an investigational personalized cancer vaccine developed by Moderna using mRNA technology. The vaccine is designed to encode up to 34 patient-specific neoantigens, genetic mutations found in a patient’s tumor but not in normal cells. Once administered, V940 delivers instructions to the immune system to recognize and target cancer cells based on these unique neoantigens. By training the body’s T cells to mount a tailored immune response, V940 aims to help prevent cancer recurrence following initial treatment such as surgery and chemotherapy.
About Pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®)
Pembrolizumab is a widely used immunotherapy developed by Merck that blocks the PD-1 pathway, a mechanism that cancer cells use to evade detection by the immune system. As an immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab enhances the body’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. It is FDA-approved for multiple cancers, including NSCLC, and has become a cornerstone of modern oncology for its effectiveness in improving survival outcomes when used alone or in combination with other therapies.
About Resected Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (N2) NSCLC
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, and when diagnosed at Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (N2), it typically indicates that the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes but remains potentially curable with surgery. “Resected” means that the tumor has been surgically removed, ideally with no remaining detectable disease (R0 resection). However, patients at these stages are at high risk for recurrence, making adjuvant therapies critical. Combining immunotherapy and personalized vaccines in the adjuvant setting offers a promising approach to reduce the risk of relapse and improve long-term survival.
About NHORevive
NHO Revive is a joint initiative between Nebraska Hematology Oncology (NHO) and Revive Research Institute, combining decades of clinical expertise and pioneering research.
About Nebraska Hematology Oncology: Nebraska Hematology-Oncology has been serving Lincoln and surrounding communities since 1997. With six Physicians, 13 Advanced Practice Providers and over 145 staff committed to person-first care, NHO has gained a reputation for being a leading care facility for cancer and blood disorders in the Midwest. As the first QOPI-certified and Oncology Medical Home APC4-certified clinic in Nebraska, NHO has been identified as a cancer center that meets the highest standards for quality cancer care. More information about NHO can be found at YourCancerCare.com.
# # #
