97IN - Influenza Vaccination in Cancer Patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Seasonal influenza virus infections are an important cause of respiratory disease and cancer patients are at increased risk of complications. The CDC recommends annual vaccination with inactivated viral vaccine for immunosuppressed hosts including cancer patients. Limited data are available on the safety and immunogenicity of vaccination programs in this setting, especially for the optimal timing of vaccination during ongoing chemotherapy and the overall rate of influenza vaccination in cancer patients is quite low (30%). Mulder et al. (2001) reported similar seroprotection rate after seasonal flu vaccine for patients treated with tyrosyne kinase inhibitors and control group. Eggink et al. (2011) reported a lower response rate to flu vaccine in breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls; a trend toward better resoponse was documented in patients receiving vaccine early during chemotheraspy (day 4) compared to those vaccinated during the last week (day 16). In the VACANCE study, cancer patients receiving 2 doses of an adjuvated H1N1 vaccine developed an higher seroconversion rate with respect the single dose (73% vs. 44%). Mackay et al. reported a lower rate of seroconversion and seroprotection after H1N1 vaccination in hematological patients with respect to solid tumors patient; rituximab combined to chemotherapy was associated with the lower response rate to the flu vaccine. In summary, there is the need for further studies to optimize flu vaccine programs (patients selection, timing related to chemotherapy, dose schedule) in cancer patients. Disclosure The author has declared no conflicts of interest.