Immune response of COVID-19 vaccines in solid cancer patients: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Solid cancer patients face higher risks from COVID-19 infections, including severe complications and poorer prognosis.
• Immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination can differ in cancer patients, necessitating tailored immunization strategies.
• Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in solid cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the serological response and vaccine effectiveness after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with solid malignancies.
• To compare the immune response of cancer patients to that of healthy controls.
• To provide evidence for guiding immunization programs for solid cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted.
• Searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov for relevant studies.
• Pooled seroconversion rates were calculated using a random-effects model, including 66 studies with 13,050 cancer patients and 8550 controls.

Main Results:

• Pooled seropositive rates after the first COVID-19 vaccine dose were 55.2% in cancer patients versus 90.2% in controls.
• Rates increased with subsequent doses: 87.6% (cancer) vs. 98.9% (controls) after the second dose, and 91.4% (cancer) vs. 99.8% (controls) after the third dose.
• Subgroup analyses indicated that sample size, antibody testing timing, and vaccine type influenced results.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 vaccine seroconversion rates are significantly lower in solid cancer patients, especially after initial doses.
• Subsequent vaccinations or booster doses are crucial for enhancing vaccine effectiveness in this population.
• Findings support the need for optimized vaccination schedules for solid cancer patients.