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Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infection in Vaccinated Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Anthony Rooney1, Cory Bivona2, Ben Liu3

  • 1University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA. arooney@kumc.edu.

Journal of Hematology & Oncology
|May 21, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines show low breakthrough infection rates in cancer patients, but hospitalization and death risks remain significant. Hematologic malignancy patients on anti-cancer therapy face higher risks.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are effective against SARS-CoV-2 in the general population.
  • Effectiveness in cancer patients, particularly those on anti-neoplastic therapies, requires further investigation.

Discussion:

  • A retrospective review of patient data from the University of Kansas assessed breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections during the Delta variant surge.
  • The study focused on cancer patients who received mRNA vaccination.

Key Insights:

  • The breakthrough infection rate in vaccinated cancer patients was 1.1% over an 8-month period.
  • Hospitalization and mortality rates post-breakthrough infection were 27% and 5%, respectively.
  • Hematologic malignancies (especially multiple myeloma) and concurrent anti-neoplastic therapy increased breakthrough infection risk.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to optimize vaccination strategies for immunocompromised cancer patients.
  • Understanding specific risk factors can guide targeted preventive measures and clinical management.
Keywords:
COVIDHematologic malignancyOncologySARS-CoV-2

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