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Published on: October 17, 2025
Revaccination of children after completion of standard chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a pilot study
Thomas Lehrnbecher1, Ralf Schubert, Regina Allwinn
1Paediatric Haematology and Oncology University of Frankfurt, Germany. thomas.lehrnbecher@kgu.de
Insights
Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) often lose immunity after chemotherapy. This study suggests revaccination with non-live vaccines is possible as early as 3 months post-chemotherapy, restoring crucial protection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) frequently experience diminished immunity to key diseases after chemotherapy.
- Loss of immune protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis necessitates revaccination in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of different revaccination schedules in children with ALL post-chemotherapy.
- To determine the earliest optimal time for administering non-live vaccines after intensive chemotherapy treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized pilot study was conducted to compare various revaccination timings.
- Participants included children who had completed chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Main Results:
- The study indicates that children with ALL can be safely revaccinated with non-live vaccines.
- An early revaccination schedule, starting as soon as 3 months after chemotherapy, appears feasible.
Conclusions:
- Revaccination is crucial for children with ALL to regain immunity lost during treatment.
- Initiating non-live vaccine administration at 3 months post-chemotherapy may be a viable strategy for this patient group.
Abstract:
Given that a significant proportion of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) lose immune protection to tetanus, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis, revaccination is indicated after chemotherapy. Our randomized pilot study comparing different revaccination schedules suggests that children with ALL might be revaccinated with non-live vaccines as early as 3 months after chemotherapy.
