A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Oncology revealed that patients with hematologic malignancies are more likely to develop breakthrough Covid-19 infections, especially if they are on anti-CD20 therapy.

The study included a total of 2,89 400 vaccine-treated cancer patients, among whom 2,49,520 had solid cancers, 39,880 had hematologic cancer, and 11,57,600 matched non-cancer controls. Outcomes that occurred 14 days after the second dosage of the Covid-19 vaccination were taken into consideration. The end of the follow-up period was March 31, 2022, and the primary outcome was a breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection. Secondary outcomes included visits to the emergency room, hospitalization, and deaths that occurred within four weeks of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results showed that patients with cancer had much greater rates of severe Covid-related outcomes, such as hospitalization and death than individuals without cancer. Patients with hematologic cancer had a higher chance of severe outcomes than patients with solid cancer. Researchers also observed that the third dosage of the Covid-19 vaccination was linked to a decreased infection rate and coronavirus complications, except for patients undergoing anti-CD20 medication.

The study emphasized the priority of administering booster vaccinations, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and, in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection, an early antiviral medication for cancer patients and those with hematologic malignancies, regardless of their treatment status.

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/patients-undergoing-cancer-treatment-at-greater-risk-of-contracting-breakthrough-covid-infections-study-465909)