Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Cancer in a High-Volume Comprehensive Cancer Center

Oncologist. 2022 Mar 4;27(2):e203-e205. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyab037.

Abstract

Background: Few data are available on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients undergoing active cancer-directed treatment.

Patients and methods: This case series analyzes outcomes in terms of adverse events in 5297 patients undergoing anti-cancer treatment who were vaccinated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at a single cancer center from March 6, 2021 to May 9, 2021. Adverse events were retrieved from the national Italian pharmacovigilance platform (http://www.vigicovid.it).

Results: Of the 5297 patients treated for either solid tumors (87%) or onco-hematologic malignancies (13%) who were vaccinated, 8 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported. One was a severe ADR and 7 were non-severe ADRs. Non-severe ADRs resolved within 48 hours.

Conclusion: BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was safely administered in the largest cohort of cancer patients reported to date.

Keywords: COVID-19; cancer; chemotherapy; mRNA; vaccine.

MeSH terms

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Vaccines* / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Vaccines
  • BNT162 Vaccine