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SARS-COV2 VACCINATION RESPONSE IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
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  • Amber D'Souza,
  • Thomas M,
  • Manu Gnanamony,
  • Nguyen TH,
  • Pedro A. de Alarcon
Amber D'Souza
University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine at Peoria Department of Internal Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Thomas M
University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine at Peoria Department of Internal Medicine
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Manu Gnanamony
University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine at Peoria Department of Internal Medicine
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Nguyen TH
University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine at Peoria Department of Internal Medicine
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Pedro A. de Alarcon
University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine at Peoria Department of Internal Medicine
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Abstract

Background: There remains limited knowledge about the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) vaccination in pediatric oncology patients, which is essential to provide counseling and risk adaptation in this vulnerable population. The goal of this study was to understand immunogenicity after vaccination in pediatric oncology patients and determine if certain clinical factors impacted response. Methods: Patients 0-25 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer and actively receiving therapy were enrolled on study. We excluded patients who were completely vaccinated prior to their cancer diagnosis. Blood samples were collected pre-vaccination, as well as 2, 4-6, and 8-12 weeks after vaccination. Healthy children who were fully vaccinated enrolled as controls. Clinical data and complete blood counts around time of vaccination were collected. To study B and T cell immunity, we measured neutralizing antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassay and interferon gamma secretion by enzyme-linked immunospot, respectively. Results: 26 patients enrolled on study, for which 11 were evaluable oncology patients and 7 were healthy controls. Adequate B cell response was seen in 36.4% of patients and adequate T cell response in 77.8% of patients. Numbers were too small to detect differences based on malignancy type. There was no differences in immunity based on absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) or intensity of therapy. Conclusion: Pediatric oncology patients have a suboptimal immune response to SARS-COV2 vaccination. Booster doses will be imperative to provide optimal protection against COVID-19, however blood counts may not be a useful guide to optimize the time of administration.
04 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
04 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
04 Oct 2023Submitted to Pediatric Blood & Cancer
05 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
31 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
31 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
31 Oct 20231st Revision Received
02 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Accept