Extensive research into mRNA vaccines for cancer therapy in preclinical and clinical trials has prepared the ground for the quick development of immune-specific mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapeutic cancer vaccines based on mRNA are well tolerated, and are an attractive choice for future cancer immunotherapy. Ideal personalized tumor-dependent mRNA vaccines could stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity by overcoming cancer-induced immune suppression and tumor relapse. The stability, structure, and distribution strategies of mRNA-based vaccines have been improved by technological innovations, and patients with diverse tumor types are now being enrolled in numerous clinical trials investigating mRNA vaccine therapy. Despite the fact that therapeutic mRNA-based cancer vaccines have not yet received clinical approval, early clinical trials with mRNA vaccines as monotherapy and in conjunction with checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results. In this review, we analyze the most recent clinical developments in mRNA-based cancer vaccines and discuss the optimal platforms for the creation of mRNA vaccines. We also discuss the development of the cancer vaccines’ clinical research, paying particular attention to their clinical use and therapeutic efficacy, which could facilitate the design of mRNA-based vaccines in the near future.

Phytobezoars constitute conglomerates of indigested plant fibers and are a rare cause of acute mechanical ileus. They exhibit an increased prevalence in the elderly population and people with specific predisposing conditions. Radiological imaging can often set a definitive diagnosis and dictate the optimal therapeutic approach, combined with the patient’s clinical status. An 81-year-old male presented with deteriorating clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed following inconclusive radiological findings; multiple phytobezoars and incipient intussusception were revealed intraoperatively. A patient’s medical history can often raise clinical suspicion of phytobezoars. However, a careful etiological investigation is imperative in all cases of mechanical ileus in advanced ages; early detection and dissolution of phytobezoars, when applicable, can reduce the need for surgical interventions.

BACKGROUND Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare, benign soft-tissue tumor, emerging in the subscapular area and exhibiting higher prevalence in elderly women. Despite its slow growth rate and asymptomatic nature in most patients, elastofibroma can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort during shoulder movements. Imaging and histopathologic data combined with a detailed history are essential to exclude malignancies and provide suitable treatment. CASE REPORT This report describes the case of a 78-year-old man with an incidental finding of elastofibroma dorsi, presenting as an asymptomatic left subscapular mass. Physical examination revealed the mass, the presence of which was later confirmed through an MRI scan. The tumor was surgically excised without any postoperative complications. Histopathologic findings from a biopsy supported the diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi, showing an abundance of thick and irregular elastic fibers, giving a "rope-like" appearance in hematoxylin and eosin stain. Additionally, Verhoeff-Van Gieson stain highlighted the elastic fibers, making their characteristic arrangement and appearance evident. The patient was then discharged from our hospital and made a complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS Despite its benign nature and rarity, elastofibroma dorsi should be included in the differential diagnosis of subscapular masses. Proper imaging and histopathological examination are crucial for a definitive diagnosis, to ensure that patients receive the appropriate and necessary treatment and guidance. Furthermore, additional research is needed to completely clarify the pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for the development of elastofibroma dorsi.