After years of waiting, we finally have the next big cancer breakthrough. A recent study found that an mRNA-based therapeutic for melanoma – one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer – significantly reduced chances that the cancer would return in patients. This first-of-its-kind treatment could save lives and, if mRNA technology continues to develop without interference, could be applied to other cancers and rare diseases. Image of  MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center 

This milestone was driven in part by the participation of MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center in the clinical trial, further solidifying South Carolina’s reputation as a power player in biotechnology. We cannot ignore the policies that enabled our state to play a role in what may be one of the century’s signature medical advancements – and the thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity generated by this research. 

That’s why legislative proposals aiming to ban mRNA research and treatments are so damaging. Not only would they diminish our impact as a leader in innovative treatments and eliminate jobs for South Carolinians, but they’d also deprive cancer patients who could benefit from future mRNA-based treatments, similar to those produced in the melanoma study. 

Policymakers talk a big game about finding real solutions to cancer. Now that we are on the verge of answers, we need leaders who embrace the technology that got us here, not attack it. Cancer patients deserve access to every treatment on the table, and proposed mRNA bans shouldn’t see the light of day in the next legislative session.  

Drew Gilmore