We enrolled numerous patients into this prospective study, and found that patients with lymphoma, in particular, have had a very high death rate. I’m co-leading it on this campus with Jessica Hawley, MD. Red Cap is the largest collection of cancer patients in the country that involves multiple cancer centers across the country, called the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium, and Columbia is one of the largest contributors to it. We’ve just submitted updated data to a prospective study-Red Cap-that is investigating what happens to cancer patients with COVID over time. For many of our patients the chance of dying from COVID, if infected, is greater than the chance from dying of cancer. What are some key insights that have been uncovered so far about COVID-19 and patients with cancer?ĬOVID-19 is a deadly disease. In fact, cancer patients should be moved to the front of the line because they are immunosuppressed and they are more susceptible to dying from COVID. Should cancer patients on active treatment get vaccinated?Įvery adult patient with cancer should talk with their oncologist about taking this vaccine, whether they are on active treatment or completed treatment in the past. With the vaccine, we now have something that can finally turn the tide. Up to this point, the only protection we have had are masks, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing. Our patient population at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia includes a large number of Hispanic and Black cancer patients who appear particularly susceptible to dying from this disease. In fact, patients are now monitored for up to 15 minutes, post-vaccination to observe for this possibility, and if this does develop, medications are administered to rapidly reverse it.Ĭancer patients are generally immunosuppressed and they represent an especially vulnerable population that would benefit from the protection the vaccine offers. If this should develop there are rapid ways to reverse it. There have been reports of rare allergic reactions but these have only been in people with known severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or foods. Patients should discuss their concerns about the new vaccines with their treating oncologist, but I can’t think of a reason why cancer patients should not take the vaccine. The science clearly shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and there is no data saying that there's any increased risk for cancer patients. How safe is the vaccine for cancer patients? ![]() Collectively by generating both “humoral” and “cellular” immunity these RNA-based vaccines represent a very potent means to neutralize or kill the COVID-19 virus. These comes from the T cells of the immune system and this also elicits a very strong anti-viral response. The vaccine also elicits a process called “cell-mediated” immunity. This is a process called “humoral immunity” and comes from the B cells of the immune system. By making proteins that mimic the virus, the body then generates antibodies against them such that if the body is ever infected by the actual virus these antibodies are rapidly generated and they neutralize the virus. ![]() ![]() These RNA templates are used by the normal cellular machinery to make proteins that are similar to but not identical to the viral proteins made by the COVID-19 virus. RNA is the template by which cells make proteins. Gary Schwartz, HICCC deputy director and division chief of hematology/oncologyĪs noted, there are two FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines in the United States at this time, one from Pfizer and the other from Moderna.
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