Published online Sep 24, 2023. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i9.343
Peer-review started: June 28, 2023
First decision: July 6, 2023
Revised: August 6, 2023
Accepted: September 12, 2023
Article in press: September 12, 2023
Published online: September 24, 2023
Processing time: 83 Days and 5.4 Hours
Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared to be no longer “a public health emergency of international concern” with its wide range of clinical manifestations and late complications, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection proved to be a serious threat, especially to the elderly and patients with comorbidities. Patients with oncologic diseases are vulnerable to severe infection and death. Indeed, patients with oncohematological diseases have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and impaired post-vaccination immunity. Unfortunately, cancer patients are usually excluded from vaccine trials and investigations of post-vaccinal immune responses and the effectiveness of the vaccines. We aimed to elucidate to what extent patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 and what is their overall case fatality rate. We also present the current concept and evidence on the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, in oncology patients. In conclusion, despite the considerably higher mortality in the cancer patient group than the general population, countries with high vaccination rates have demon
Core Tip: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted the lives of cancer patients. Their medical care has been challenging, given the competing risks of death from cancer and serious complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Cancer patients are at high risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19. Protective SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cellular immune response are induced after infection or/and COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines decrease the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Therefore, vaccination of specific vulnerable groups, such as oncological patients, and all people in general, will slow the virus spread and save lives.