A recent study led by Cedars-Sinai investigators, published in JAMA Oncology, highlights that COVID-19 vaccine boosters significantly decrease hospitalization and ICU admissions among cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in this high-risk group.

Despite the proven effectiveness, vaccine uptake remains low, with only 38% receiving the bivalent booster and 69% receiving the monovalent booster, indicating a need for improved vaccination outreach.

Among over 72,800 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy, 69% had received a monovalent booster by January 2022, underscoring the necessity to boost vaccination rates in this vulnerable population.

The findings underscore the ongoing importance of surveillance and vaccination efforts as SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate endemically, especially among immunosuppressed populations.

The study was conducted by Kaiser Permanente Northern California with funding from organizations including the NCI Serological Sciences Network, reflecting collaborative efforts in COVID-19 research.

Dr. Robert Figlin highlighted that this research adds critical knowledge about vaccine effectiveness in high-risk groups and plans are underway for further studies as vaccine formulations and variants evolve.

Additional research is planned to evaluate vaccine effectiveness in other immunocompromised groups, such as patients with autoimmune diseases and organ transplant recipients, with Cedars-Sinai preparing to publish related findings.

The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, a leading organization in New York, continues to contribute significantly to medical research, including studies on COVID-19 and cancer.

The research, led by Dr. Jacek Skarbinski, emphasizes the urgent need to enhance vaccination outreach among cancer patients, especially given the observed benefits.

The study provides real-world evidence supporting vaccination recommendations for vulnerable cancer patients, demonstrating a 50% reduction in COVID-19 hospitalization risk among vaccinated individuals.

Research also indicated that disruptions in breast cancer surveillance during the pandemic resulted in a 6% decrease in imaging for early-stage patients, with no significant difference in recurrence rates.