Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccination in Children With Cancer

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Young patients undergoing cancer treatment face higher risks of severe COVID-19.
• Limited data exist on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in children and adolescents with cancer.
• To assess antibody and T-cell responses following vaccination in pediatric cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study included 113 children and adolescents (5-19 years) with cancer receiving 2 or 3 doses of BNT162b2.
• Neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers, T-cell responses (interferon-γ), and binding antibody titers were measured.
• Safety outcomes and adverse events were systematically collected.

Main Results:

• After 2 doses, 66% of patients had a positive NAb response (≥1:20), increasing to 80% after 3 doses.
• T-cell responses were observed in 59% after 2 doses and 74% after 3 doses.
• Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate and transient, not delaying cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• The BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine elicits a significant immune response in most children with cancer, even during active treatment.
• Vaccination against COVID-19 should not be postponed until cancer treatment completion.
• Findings support the use of COVID-19 vaccination in pediatric cancer patients and may inform other childhood vaccination strategies during cancer therapy.