Influenza vaccine for cancer patients with chemotherapy is also safe

Patients with cancer and treated with chemotherapy show good Immune response to influenza vaccine, in which it is recommended that breast cancer patients be vaccinated a few days after chemotherapy. It is also certain that this category of patients will be vaccinated against the flu. This is what research by Miriam Wumkes, international oncologist, who obtained a doctorate from the University of Utrecht with her doctoral thesis. Burden of influenza morbidity and influenza vaccination in cancer

Increased risk of death from influenza

Wumkes asked if influenza vaccination made sense for cancer patients treated. with chemotherapy and what is the optimal timing of vaccination: before or after chemotherapy. Relevant research questions, because the risk of death is 4x compared to that of healthy people.

Influenza vaccination yes or no?

This question was asked every year at the doctor's office, when and when vaccination is required in cancer patients. The conclusion that breast cancer patients, in particular, can be better vaccinated soon after chemotherapy is the production of antibodies.

Shortly after chemotherapy

Shortly after chemotherapy, the production of antibodies against influenza is more important than when these patients were vaccinated later. With cancer, time is less. Wumkes: "Does this apply to immunotherapeutic patients as well?"

Treatment Oncologist

Wumkes also found that general practitioners often do not know if their patient is receiving chemotherapy at the time of influenza vaccination. That's why she says that the oncologist who treats the patient gives advice on the influenza vaccine and the optimal timing of the vaccination.

Improving the degree of vaccination

The vaccination rate in cancer patients has turned out to be 59% (influenza season 2010-2011). This could be improved with (inter) national guidelines on the optimal timing of influenza vaccination in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Wumkes therefore encourages oncologists to actively inform patients and GPs of the need and optimal timing for influenza vaccination.

Research co-financed by the St. Antonius Research Fund

Wumkes (1984) conducted research in several hospitals in the Netherlands, including the Netherlands. St. Antonius Hospital. The St. Antonius Research Fund has made its research financially possible. Dr. Ankie van der Velden, internist at Tergooi Hospital, is the co-sponsor. Supervisors are Professor Ger Rijkers (Director of the University of Science Rooseveld Middelburg) and Professor Douwe Biesma, Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Antonius Hospital. Wumkes is currently working as an internist oncologist at Den Bosch's Jeroen Bosch Hospital.