Via practica 5/2017

Possibilities and tricks of vaccination in patients with cancer

Compared with the general population, patients with cancer in general are more susceptible to vaccine-preventable infections, either by an increased risk due to the malignancy itself or immunosuppressive treatment. The goal of immunizations in these patients is therefore to provide protection against these infections, and to decrease the number of vulnerable patients who can disseminate these organisms. The proper timing of immunization with cancer treatment is key to achieving better vaccine protection. As the oncology field continues to advance, leading to better quality of life and longer survival, immunization along with other preventative measures is currently at the forefront of comprehensive care for cancer patients. In this article we summarize vaccination rules that are clinically relevant for cancer patients. Herein, we review the vaccines most clinically relevant to patients with cancer.

Keywords: cancer, immunization, vaccine