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Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Cancer patients and COVID-19 vaccination, from safety to protocol adherence: A real-life setting report
Haitam Lamtai1, Saber Boutayeb1, Hind Mrabti1
1Department of Medical Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco.
Background:
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has slowed down cancer prevention and treatment strategies; consequently, cancer patients are prioritized to get the COVID-19 vaccines. Being constantly threatened by a new outbreak, the dive within the immunogenicity response is of great value; nonetheless, evaluating the side effects of these vaccines on fragile patients will assure their adherence to the vaccination protocol.
Objectives:
This study sets out to investigate the adverse events reported about the vaccine according to its doses and types, and to compare the prevalence and severity of toxicities across two subgroups of cancer patients, those who received the injection during active therapy cycles, and those who have not started the therapy yet at vaccination time, moreover, this paper examines the will and commitment of this population to the vaccination schemes.
Methods:
This is an observational, retrospective, cohort study, in which we conducted a semi-constructed interview with 415 random solid cancer patients treated at the National Institute of Oncology in Morocco. The assessment of adverse events was carried out with a standardized scale.
Results:
Eleven months after the launch of the campaign, 75.2% of patients received at least one dose of the vaccine. Altogether, the analysis demonstrates a significant difference between the adverse effects reported post the second dose compared to the first one (p=0.004; odds ratio=2 [95% CI: 1.23 - 3.31]). Besides, the results indicate an increase in the rank of the severity of systemic events (p<0.001, r=0.28) after the second dose, but not for the local events (p=0.92, r=0.005). In the adjusted subgroup analysis, no effect was detected linking active therapy with the occurrence of toxicity (p=0.51, v=0.04) as well as with the level of severity reported after both; the first and second dose. Due to the fear of interactions with the therapy, we noticed a significant trend to delay the booster dose among the participants who completed the initial vaccine protocol.
Conclusion:
A considerable body of evidence exists to persuade cancer patients to take the Coronavirus vaccines, and to also follow their vaccination schemes under the supervision of their treating physicians.
Insights
Cancer patients experienced more adverse effects after their second COVID-19 vaccine dose. Active cancer therapy did not influence vaccine toxicity, but fear of interactions led some to delay booster shots.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted cancer care, prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination for cancer patients.
- Assessing vaccine immunogenicity and side effects in cancer patients is crucial for adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate COVID-19 vaccine adverse events in cancer patients by dose and type.
- Compare toxicity prevalence and severity in patients receiving vaccines during or before active therapy.
- Examine cancer patients' commitment to vaccination schemes.
Main Methods:
- Observational, retrospective cohort study.
- Semi-constructed interviews with 415 solid cancer patients.
- Standardized scale for adverse event assessment.
Main Results:
- 75.2% of patients received at least one vaccine dose.
- Significantly more adverse effects were reported after the second dose (p=0.004).
- Increased severity of systemic events post-second dose (p<0.001), but not local events (p=0.92).
- Active therapy did not correlate with toxicity occurrence or severity.
- Fear of interactions led to delayed booster doses.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports COVID-19 vaccination for cancer patients.
- Vaccination adherence should be supervised by treating physicians.
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