According to the results of a new study, the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine reduces in patients that have cancer. The study involved 205 people, 151 of which had solid cancers. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed, but it has sparked concern in the medical community.
The research team that carried out the study affirmed that the 12-week delay between the two doses left cancer patients vulnerable to the coronavirus. The researchers added that the best way to protect cancer patients was by providing the second dose early.
Cancer Research UK urged all patients to follow the advice given by specialists
In response to the results of the study, Cancer Research UK asked cancer patients to adhere to the instructions given to them until the results have been peer-reviewed by other scientists. The UK government released a statement saying that its current priority was to extend the vaccine's protection to as many people as possible.
The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) also released a statement in response to the study. The committee said it was frequently monitoring and reviewing the data obtained from the vaccine, and using the information gleaned to advise the government on the steps to take.
The study revealed the number of coronavirus antibodies produced in cancer patients
The researchers carried out the study among 205 volunteers, 151 of which had solid tumors. The researchers tested the antibodies and T-cells level in the blood after they had received the COVID-19 vaccine. It was discovered that the volunteers with solid cancers had 39% of antibodies present while people with no form of cancers had 97%.
Although the antibodies present in cancer patients increased when they received the second dose after a three-week gap from the first, it was discovered that the antibodies did not increase among the volunteers that waited longer than three weeks for the second dose.