The antibody response of haematological malignancies to COVID-19 infection and vaccination

Cancer patients with COVID-19 have reduced survival. While most cancer patients, like the general population, have an almost 100% rate of seroconversion after COVID-19 infection or vaccination, patients with haematological malignancies have lower seroconversion rates and are far less likely to gain adequate protection. This raises the concern that patients with haematological malignancies, especially those receiving immunosuppressive therapies, may still develop the fatal disease when infected with COVID-19 after vaccination. There is an urgent need to develop Guidelines to help direct vaccination schedules and protective measures in oncology patients, differentiating those with haematological malignancies and those in an immunocompromised state.

Automated summary

Cancer patients, especially those with haematological malignancies, have reduced survival and lower seroconversion rates after COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Developing guidelines for vaccination schedules and protective measures is urgently needed for oncology patients, particularly those in an immunocompromised state.