Sign in Subscribe
Vaccination

Vaccines Protect Most Cancer Patients from COVID-19, Except Those with Blood Cancers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to new research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, vaccines have proven to be effective in protecting the majority of cancer patients from COVID-19. However, those with blood cancers, such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma, are at a higher risk of breakthrough infections. The study analyzed data from over 64,000 U.S. cancer patients who were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and found that their risk of breakthrough COVID infection dropped after their second vaccine dose. The researchers also found that the Moderna vaccine was more effective than the Pfizer vaccine for patients with blood cancers, particularly those with multiple myeloma.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed nationwide data on over 64,000 U.S. cancer patients who were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
  • The researchers found that the risk of breakthrough COVID infection dropped after the second vaccine dose for all types of cancer patients.
  • However, patients with blood cancers were at a higher risk of breakthrough COVID infections than those with solid cancers.
  • The Moderna vaccine was more effective than the Pfizer vaccine for patients with blood cancers, especially those with multiple myeloma.
  • The findings can help guide care of cancer patients who have COVID-19 and inform the development of immune-based cancer treatments.
  • The researchers are now working to answer additional questions about waning immunity and the effectiveness of booster shots.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from over 64,000 U.S. cancer patients who were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
  • The researchers found that the risk of breakthrough COVID infection dropped by [insert percentage] after the second vaccine dose for all types of cancer patients.
  • Patients with blood cancers had a [insert percentage] higher risk of breakthrough COVID infections than those with solid cancers.
  • The Moderna vaccine was [insert percentage] more effective than the Pfizer vaccine for patients with blood cancers, particularly those with multiple myeloma.
  • The U.S. National Institutes of Health COVID database includes over 12.5 million patients and 4.5 million COVID-19 patients.

Sources:

  • Indiana University School of Medicine, news release, April 4, 2022
  • Journal of Clinical Oncology, recent publication
  • U.S. National Cancer Institute, COVID vaccines and cancer patients

Read more