SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses in Multiple Myeloma Patients Under Lenalidomide Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Martac Ioana, Beer Sina A., Schenk Aileen, Ahmad Osama, Maier Claus-Philipp, Demirel Gülay, Preuß Beate, Klein Reinhild, Stanger Anna M. P., Besemer Britta, Hensen Luca, Lengerke Claudia
Primary Institution: University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
Hypothesis
How do immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection compare between multiple myeloma patients on lenalidomide therapy and healthy individuals?
Conclusion
Multiple myeloma patients on lenalidomide therapy show weaker antibody production but robust T cell responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Supporting Evidence
- MM patients had significantly lower antibody levels compared to healthy controls.
- T cell responses in MM patients were comparable to those in healthy individuals.
- Taking a break from lenalidomide did not enhance vaccine responses in patients.
- MM patients were older than healthy controls, which could affect immune responses.
- High vaccination rates were observed in both groups, but MM patients had a higher median number of vaccinations.
Takeaway
Patients with multiple myeloma have a harder time making antibodies after vaccination, but their T cells can still respond well.
Methodology
The study compared immune responses in 41 multiple myeloma patients on lenalidomide therapy with 43 healthy volunteers, measuring humoral and cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the observational nature of the study and the exclusion of certain patient demographics.
Limitations
The sample size was limited, and the study did not assess the neutralizing capacity of antibodies.
Participant Demographics
41 multiple myeloma patients (avg. age 63.8 years, 51.2% female) and 43 healthy controls (avg. age 35 years, 72.1% female).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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