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Active immunization of children with leukemias and lymphomas against infection by hepatitis B virus

R Rokicka-Milewska1, T Jackowska, B Sopyło

  • 1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Warsaw Medical School, Poland.

Acta Paediatrica Japonica : Overseas Edition
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B vaccination with Engerix B in children with leukemia or lymphoma showed high antibody levels after therapy cessation. However, insufficient protection was observed in those receiving maintenance treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Children with leukemia and lymphoma often require immunosuppression, increasing infection risk.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant threat to immunocompromised pediatric patients.
  • Vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing HBV in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Engerix B vaccination in children with leukemia and lymphoma.
  • To assess antibody response and protection levels in relation to treatment status (therapy cessation vs. maintenance).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 54 children (aged 2-15 years) with leukemia or lymphoma received Engerix B vaccine.
  • Vaccination schedule: 0, 1, 2, and 6 months with age-adjusted doses (20 mcg for <10 years, 40 mcg for ≥10 years).
  • Chemotherapy status was categorized into complete cessation (36 cases) or maintenance treatment (18 cases). Antibody levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • Effective active immunization, demonstrated by high antibody levels (>1000 mIU/mL one year post-vaccination), was achieved in 88% of children who had completed therapy.
  • Children receiving maintenance chemotherapy showed inadequate antibody levels, suggesting insufficient protection against HBV infection.
  • Engerix B vaccination elicited a robust immune response in children post-chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Engerix B vaccination is effective in inducing protective antibody levels in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma patients after cessation of chemotherapy.
  • Vaccination during maintenance chemotherapy may not provide sufficient protection against Hepatitis B.
  • Further investigation into optimized vaccination protocols for children on maintenance therapy is warranted.

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