COVID-19 Vaccination in Cancer Patients: Efficacy and Outcomes in Mexico

Strategic Insights -

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico utilized seven different vaccine platforms, but prioritization for oncologic patients was lacking. Researchers from the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia in Mexico City studied the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cancer patients after the national vaccine campaign began. The study included 691 patients with cancer and COVID-19 diagnosed between February 14, 2021, and February 28, 2022. The researchers found that patients infected in the first two periods had lower vaccination rates and higher mortality rates compared to those infected during the Omicron period. Vaccination status was independently associated with hospitalization in patients with solid tumors, but not in those with hematologic malignancies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 691 patients with cancer and COVID-19 diagnosed between February 14, 2021, and February 28, 2022.
  • Patients infected in the first two periods had lower vaccination rates and higher mortality rates compared to those infected during the Omicron period.
  • Vaccination status was independently associated with hospitalization in patients with solid tumors (aOR 0.38, 95%CI 0.19-0.75, p = 0.005).
  • In those with hematologic malignancies, vaccination status was not associated with any outcome.
  • Infections occurring during the Omicron period were associated with improved outcomes in both solid tumor and hematologic malignancy patients.
  • Vaccination significantly reduced hospital admissions in patients with solid tumors.
  • Access to vaccination campaigns in patients with cancer needs to be prioritized.

Statistics:

  • 524 (76%) of the 691 patients had solid tumors (STs).
  • 167 (24%) of the 691 patients had hematologic malignancies (HMs).
  • The patients infected in the first two periods had a higher mortality rate compared to those infected during the Omicron period.
  • The researchers found that recent chemotherapy and time of infection were associated with invasive ventilation in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Sources:

  • SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Cancer and COVID-19 in Mexico. Vaccines, 2024,12(10).
  • Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia
  • NewsRx. Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia Researcher Discusses Findings in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Cancer and COVID-19 in Mexico). Cancer Vaccine Week. October 28, 2024; p 145.