In short
There are currently 2 clinical trials investigating mumps-related vaccination in healthy volunteers and young cancer survivors. These trials are exploring how the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine works in different populations and through different methods of administration, taking place in Sweden and Denmark.
Clinical trial locations
- Denmark
- Sweden
Study on Immunity to Measles and Chickenpox in Children with Cancer Using Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccines
This trial is examining how well children and adolescents who have been treated for cancer can build immunity against measles and chickenpox after receiving revaccination. The study is being conducted in Sweden and is expected to continue until 2028.
Who can participate:
This study is looking for children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years who are starting cancer treatment. Participants must have a known vaccination history for measles and chickenpox before their cancer treatment began. Both the participants and their guardians must agree to take part in the study after receiving detailed information about it. Female participants who have started menstruating and are sexually active must use effective birth control methods and have a negative pregnancy test before receiving any vaccines. Accepted birth control methods include combined oral pills, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, progesterone-only pills or implants, intrauterine devices, completed sterilization, or abstinence.
Who cannot participate:
The study cannot accept patients who have not finished their cancer treatment or who have not reached a stable health condition after treatment. Patients with known allergies to the varicella or measles vaccines are also excluded. Those with weakened immune systems, individuals currently taking immune-suppressing medications like steroids, or patients who have recently received blood transfusions or blood products cannot join. Anyone with other serious health conditions that doctors believe would make participation unsafe is also excluded.
What the trial involves:
The main goal is to understand how effectively young cancer survivors can develop immunity to measles and chickenpox through vaccination. Participants will receive a combination vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella, along with a separate vaccine for varicella. These vaccines are given through injections into the muscle. Researchers will measure the levels of specific antibodies in the blood before and after vaccination to determine how well the immune system responds. The study will compare these responses to those of healthy children and will also look at how different factors such as the type of cancer, treatment intensity, and pre-existing immunity affect the vaccination results.
Investigational treatments:
The trial uses two vaccines: the varicella vaccine to protect against chickenpox and the measles vaccine. Both are given to help the immune system build defenses by measuring antibody levels before and after vaccination. These vaccines contain weakened forms of the viruses that cannot cause disease but can still stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies.
Study on the Effectiveness of Skin Patch Vaccination with Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine in Healthy Volunteers
This trial is testing a new method of administering the MMR vaccine through the skin instead of the traditional injection under the skin. The study is taking place in Denmark with healthy adult volunteers.
Who can participate:
The study is seeking healthy volunteers between 18 and 34 years old who have never received the MMR vaccine before. Female participants must use safe methods to prevent pregnancy during the study period.
Who cannot participate:
People who have had severe allergic reactions to any component of the MMR vaccine cannot join. Those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and anyone who received another vaccine within the last 4 weeks are excluded. Individuals with a fever or signs of illness at the study start, those currently taking immune-affecting medications like steroids, or people with blood disorders or bleeding problems cannot participate. Anyone who received a blood transfusion or blood products in the last 3 months or participated in another clinical trial within the last 30 days is also excluded.
What the trial involves:
The study aims to compare two different vaccination methods: the traditional injection under the skin and a new approach called epicutaneous vaccination, where the vaccine is applied directly to the skin. Researchers want to see if the skin patch method can produce a similar immune response to the standard injection. The focus is on measuring the production of IgA antibodies, which play an important role in protecting the respiratory system from infections. Participants will receive both types of vaccination at different times and will be monitored for 30 days after each vaccination for any side effects. Three months after vaccination, their immune response will be assessed through tests on nasal secretions, blood samples, and possibly tonsil brushings.
Investigational treatments:
The trial uses the M-M-RvaxPro vaccine, which is a combination vaccine protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella. The study is specifically investigating whether applying this vaccine through the skin can effectively trigger the body's immune defenses, particularly by producing IgA antibodies in the respiratory system. This vaccine contains live but weakened forms of the viruses that cannot cause disease in healthy people but can still prompt an immune response.
Summary
The two ongoing clinical trials for mumps-related conditions represent different research approaches. One trial in Sweden focuses on vulnerable populations, specifically children and adolescents recovering from cancer, to understand how well they can rebuild immunity after treatment. The other trial in Denmark explores innovative vaccination methods in healthy adults to potentially improve how vaccines are delivered in the future.
Both trials use the MMR vaccine as part of their investigation, highlighting the continued importance of this established vaccine in medical research. The Swedish trial addresses a critical medical need for cancer survivors whose immune systems may be compromised, while the Danish trial could potentially lead to new, more accessible vaccination methods. The geographic distribution shows research activity in Scandinavian countries, with each trial addressing distinct aspects of vaccination effectiveness and delivery.
