Related Experiment Videos
Response to influenza vaccine in children with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy
Yu-Chia Hsieh1, Meng-Yao Lu, Chuan-Laing Kao
1Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) mounted a significant antibody response to influenza vaccination, demonstrating vaccine safety and effectiveness. Chemotherapy did not impair their immune response.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Assessing vaccine immunogenicity in immunocompromised pediatric populations is crucial for public health.
- Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may have altered immune responses.
- Influenza vaccination is recommended for children with chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibody response in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) following influenza vaccination.
- To compare the immunogenicity of the influenza vaccine in children with ALL versus children with asthma and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 65 children under 15 were studied: 25 with ALL undergoing chemotherapy, 30 with asthma in remission, and 10 healthy controls.
- Participants received a trivalent influenza vaccine containing specific viral antigens (B/Yamanashi/166/98, A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2)).
- Antibody titers, seroconversion rates, and seroresponse rates were measured 4 weeks post-vaccination.
Main Results:
- Children with ALL demonstrated significant antibody titers to the A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2) antigen after two vaccine doses.
- Seroconversion rates ranged from 57.1% to 84.6%, and seroresponse rates were 24% to 60% in children with ALL.
- While ALL patients showed lower responses to A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) compared to asthmatic children, responses to other antigens were comparable. Reinduction chemotherapy did not negatively impact seroresponse.
Conclusions:
- The influenza vaccine is safe and effective in children with ALL and asthma in Taiwan.
- The study supports routine influenza vaccination for pediatric patients with ALL.
- Further research may explore optimal vaccination timing during chemotherapy cycles.
Background And Purpose:
To assess the ability of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to develop an antibody response after influenza vaccination.
Methods:
A total of 65 children under 15 years old were studied, including 25 children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy, 30 with asthma in remission who were regularly followed at clinics, and 10 healthy children. The influenza vaccine contained antigens B/Yamanashi/166/98, A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), and A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2).
Results:
Children with ALL developed significant antibody titers to A/Panama /2007/ 99 antigen 4 weeks after the second immunization. Seroconversion rates after two doses of vaccine were 57.1 to 84.6% and seroresponse rates were between 24 and 60% in children with ALL. Compared to children with asthma in remission, who were regarded as immunocompetent individuals, the ALL children had less seroconversion and lower seroresponse rates to A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1). The seroconversion and seroresponse rates to B/Yamanashi/166/98 and A/ Panama/2007/99(H3N2) antigens were comparable in asthmatic and leukemic children. On the other hand, the antibody response in children with ALL who received reinduction chemotherapy suggests that the therapy did not impair seroresponse rates.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that the influenza vaccine is safe and effective in children with either ALL or asthma in Taiwan.