NCCN Announces Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccination of Cancer Patients | Targeted Oncology

The new National Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines provide information on proper coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination practices for providers treating cancer patients.¹

Recently, two vaccines have been granted an emergency use authorization by the FDA for the prevention of COVID-19. These vaccines include the BNT162b2, co-developed by Pfizer and BioNTec, and the mRNA-1273 vaccine, developed by Moderna. Both vaccines have been found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19.^2,3

The guidelines written by the NCCN COVID-19 Vaccine Commission propose to vaccinate all patients undergoing aggressive cancer treatment.^Four The committee is made up of experts in hematology and oncology who are familiar with infectious diseases, medical ethics, vaccine development and delivery, and medical information technology.¹ They make further suggestions to cancer care providers on how to make decisions to protect patients during a pandemic, including how to recommend patients a proper schedule based on immunosuppressive therapy.

“Currently, there is an urgent need and limited data,” said MPH, MD, MD, Associate Professor of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Director of Infection Prevention for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The co-leader of the NCCN COVID-19 Vaccine Commission said in a statement. “Our primary goal is to reach as many people as possible. This is to prioritize those who are likely to face death or serious illness from COVID-19. It means following the instructions of existing countries and regions. “

“The evidence we have is that people receiving aggressive cancer treatment are at increased risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19, especially in older ages with additional comorbidities such as immunosuppression. “Shows,” Pergam continued.

Other issues covered by the guidelines include balancing vaccination efforts between cancer centers and community settings. How to communicate with patients and their caregivers, especially non-English speaking people. Explain social inequality; prioritize at-risk communities. Preparing for potential interactions with patients’ medications or adverse events; which patients should be prioritized if supply and staff capacity are limited?

“My philosophy is not to waste doses and keep them simple. Too many warnings can be confusing,” said Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Medical and Infectious Diseases Associate. Dr. Lindsey Baden, MD, professor and co-leader of the committee, said in a press release. “Of course, we can always adjust when strong new evidence emerges to help prioritize a particular group over others. This is a living document that is constantly evolving. It is intended to be updated as soon as new data is released and if there is a possibility of a new vaccine that may be approved in the future. “

In addition, these guidelines recognize that the effectiveness of the vaccine among cancer patients is not yet known, even though the vaccine has been shown to be safe for the general public. Vaccine trial data have shown that the vaccine reduces the incidence of COVID-19 and complications, but it is unclear whether the vaccine will prevent infection or subsequent infection. The Commission suggests that family caregivers and other people should also be vaccinated if deemed eligible in their area and continue to wear masks and social distance.

“One of our main goals is to reduce morbidity and mortality,” said Sirisha Narayana, MD, Associate Professor of UCSF Health’s UCSF Ethics Committee and Associate Professor of Medicine, in a statement. I am. “We also have to take into account the social determinants of health and make special efforts for people in high-risk communities.”

The Commission plans to meet regularly to improve recommendations as new information becomes available.

Robert W., Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. Carlson, MD, said in a press release: “COVID-19 vaccines have proven scientifically successful. Now they are distributed quickly, fairly, safely and efficiently using well-defined and transparent principles. need to do it.”

_reference:

_{1. The NCCN shares new guidance principles for vaccination of people with cancer against COVID-19. news release. NCCN. Published January 22, 2021. Accessed January 28, 2021.}

_{2. The FDA will take significant action in the fight against COVID-19 by issuing the first emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine. news release. FDA. December 11, 2020. Accessed on January 28, 2021.}

_{3. The FDA will take additional steps in the fight against covid-19 by issuing an emergency use authorization for the second covid-19 vaccine. news release. FDA. December 18, 2020. Accessed on January 28, 2021}

_{4. NCCN: Cancer and COVID-19 vaccination. NCCN. Published January 22, 2021. Accessed January 28, 2021. https: //bit.ly/3clJCXC}