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Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study
Cecília Caramujo1, Inês Gomes1, Teresa Fraga1
1Medical Oncology, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Coimbra, PRT.
Cureus
|May 4, 2023
Summary
Cancer patients on immunosuppressive therapy showed a strong COVID-19 vaccine response, with high seroconversion rates after two doses and sustained antibody levels three months later. This indicates satisfactory immunization in this high-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Patients undergoing active cancer treatment face heightened COVID-19 risks.
- Effective COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for this vulnerable population.
- The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients on immunosuppressive therapy remains an important question.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the COVID-19 immunization response in cancer patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
- To evaluate antibody levels and seroconversion rates following COVID-19 vaccination in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, cross-sectional study of 103 cancer patients on immunosuppressive therapy vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Exclusion of patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or incomplete vaccination.
- Measurement of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels at specific intervals post-vaccination.
Main Results:
- 47.6% achieved seroconversion after the first vaccine dose.
- 91% achieved seroconversion after the second dose.
- 83% maintained protective antibody levels three months post-second dose; no SARS-CoV-2 infections were reported.
Conclusions:
- Cancer patients on immunosuppressive therapy demonstrated a satisfactory humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.
- The findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination is effective in this population, though wider validation is recommended.
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