Humoral Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Boost in Cancer Patients: A Case Series from a Southern European Cancer Center

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Oliveira, J (Author) Other; Cruz, P (Author) Other; Dias, TR (Author) Other; Sousa-Pimenta, M (Author) Other; Almeida, B (Author) Other; Soares, B (Author) Other; Sousa, H (Author) Other; Costa, R (Author) Other; Ochoa, C (Author) Other; Dias, F (Author) Other; Rui Medeiros (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Vaccines

Vol. 12

Final page: 1207

ISSN: 2076-393X

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-CVK

DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12111207

Abstract (EN): Background: Cancer patients face a greater risk of complications and death after contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were suggested to provide additional protection. This study aimed to assess how cancer patients' immune systems respond to the booster shots and categorize their responses. Methods: We analyzed 735 samples from 422 individuals, including patients followed at the Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto). Three cohorts were recruited, and blood samples were collected 3- and 6-months post-booster dose: cohort 1 cancer patients (also collected before the booster); cohort 2 cancer patients; and cohort 3 (healthy individuals). Humoral immune response was evaluated by analyzing IgG levels against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein. IgG levels against the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid(N) protein was also analyzed in order to address previous contact with the virus. Results: Among Cohort 1 patients with solid tumors, when compared to pre-boost, IgG S levels increased 3 months after the boost and remained high after 6 months. Patients with hematologic tumors demonstrated lower IgG S levels at both timepoints. Comparing the IgG S levels among hematological tumors, solid tumors, and healthy individuals in both timepoints we observed that the healthy individuals had the strongest IgG S response, followed by the solid, and, lastly, the hematologic tumors. Solid tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy had reduced IgG S levels, especially those on high febrile neutropenia risk regimens. Conclusions: In conclusion, cancer patients have a weaker immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, especially those with hematological cancers. Chemotherapy and febrile neutropenia risk further reduce booster effectiveness. Further research is needed to optimize vaccine timing for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15