PATIENTS with cancer vaccinated against COVID-19 within 6 months before infection showed significantly higher survival rates, according to a new analysis from the ASCO COVID-19 Registry. The study, which included 1,765 patients with cancer diagnosed with COVID-19 between April 2021 and July 2023, highlights the critical role of vaccination timing in improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The 6-month overall survival (OS) rate was 90% for patients who received their last vaccine dose between one to six months before infection. In contrast, OS dropped to 82% for patients who were unvaccinated or had their last dose more than 6 months prior to infection. After adjusting for factors like age, cancer type, performance status, and socioeconomic conditions, unvaccinated patients had a 1.60 times higher risk of death compared to those recently vaccinated. Patients with vaccinations older than 6 months also faced a 1.32 times higher risk.
Demographic factors such as age, rural residence, cancer type, and area-level socioeconomic factors—including household income and education—were associated with vaccination status. These findings underscore the need for oncology-specific vaccination strategies, with researchers suggesting more frequent booster doses, possibly exceeding the current annual recommendation.
This study emphasizes that tailored vaccination schedules could help protect cancer patients, whose compromised immune systems make them particularly susceptible to severe outcomes from COVID-19.
Reference: Kelsey Kirkwood M et al. Differential survival among patients with cancer by COVID-19 vaccination status: an analysis of the ASCO COVID-19 registry. JCO OA. 2024;1.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
