COVID-19 vaccine guidance for patients with cancer participating in oncology clinical trials

Desai, A; Gainor, JF; Hegde, A; Schram, AM; Curigliano, G; Pal, S; Liu, SV; Halmos, B; Groisberg, R; Grande, E; Dragovich, T; Matrana, M; Agarwal, N; Chawla, S; Kato, S; Morgan, G; Kasi, PM; Solomon, B; Loong, HH; Park, H; Choueiri, TK; Subbiah, IM; Pemmaraju, N; Subbiah, V; COVID19 and Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group

Author(s): Desai, A; Gainor, JF; Hegde, A; Schram, AM; Curigliano, G; Pal, S; Liu, SV; Halmos, B; Groisberg, R; Grande, E; Dragovich, T; Matrana, M; Agarwal, N; Chawla, S; Kato, S; Morgan, G; Kasi, PM; Solomon, B; Loong, HH; Park, H; Choueiri, TK; Subbiah, IM; Pemmaraju, N; Subbiah, V; COVID19 and Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group;
Details: Publication Year 2021-05,Volume 18,Issue #5,Page 313-319
Journal Title: Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology
Publication Type: Review
Abstract: Emerging efficacy data have led to the emergency use authorization or approval of COVID-19 vaccines in several countries worldwide. Most trials of COVID-19 vaccines excluded patients with active malignancies, and thus data on the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the vaccines in patients with cancer are currently limited. Given the risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, decisions regarding the use of vaccines against COVID-19 in patients participating in trials of investigational anticancer therapies need to be addressed promptly. Patients should not have to choose between enrolling on oncology clinical trials and receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Clinical trial sponsors, investigators and treating physicians need operational guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for patients with cancer who are currently enrolled or might seek to enrol in clinical trials. Considering the high morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 in patients with cancer, the benefits of vaccination are likely to far outweigh the risks of vaccine-related adverse events. Herein, we provide operational COVID-19 vaccine guidance for patients participating in oncology clinical trials. In our perspective, continued quality oncological care requires that patients with cancer, including those involved in trials, be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, which should not affect trial eligibility.
Keywords: COVID-19/*prevention & control; COVID-19 Vaccines/*therapeutic use; *Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; *Neoplasms/therapy; Patient Selection; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination/*standards
Department(s): Medical Oncology
PubMed ID: 33723371
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41571-021-00487-z
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

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Last Modified: 2026-01-29 05:54:30