Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

A large population-level assessment reveals third dose COVID-19 vaccination is effective for most patients with cancer, but effectiveness is lower than in the general population, particularly in patients who have undergone recent chemotherapy and those with lymphoma.

The UK Coronavirus Cancer Programme, led by Dr Lennard Lee (Department of Oncology), has undertaken a population-scale real-world evaluation of the third dose COVID-19 vaccination booster programme in 361,098 UK patients with cancer. Breakthrough infection, symptomatic infection, COVID-19-associated hospitalisation and death were compared between the cancer cohort and the general population.

The study, published in the European Journal of Cancer, found that vaccine effectiveness was increased in the cancer and population cohorts following the third vaccine dose, but that effectiveness was lower in patients with cancer compared to the general population.

Comparing between patients with different types of cancer, vaccine effectiveness against breakthrough and symptomatic infections was higher following third dose boosters in those with solid organ malignancies compared to patients with haematological cancers, and protection against symptomatic COVID-19 was lowest in patients with lymphoma.

A recent cancer diagnosis or being treated in the last 12 months with chemotherapy or radiotherapy were also associated with lower vaccine effectiveness against breakthrough and symptomatic COVID-19 infections.

The findings from this study highlight the ongoing susceptibility of cancer patients to COVID-19 and would support additional measures to protect this population.

Read more about the study's findings in relation to vaccination effectiveness in cancer patients.

Similar stories

New Study Finds Common Virus May Improve Skin Cancer Treatment Outcomes

A new study led by the University of Oxford has revealed that a common and usually harmless virus may positively influence how skin cancer patients respond to current treatments.

Oxford and GSK launch £50million immuno-prevention programme to advance novel cancer research

Global biopharma company GSK invests up to £50 million in a collaboration with Oxford to advance the understanding of how cancer develops, which could inform future development of vaccines to prevent cancer.

Machine Learning Enhances Detection of Multiple Cancer Types from Blood

Researchers from the University of Oxford have developed TriOx, a highly sensitive blood test that detects six cancers at their earliest stages. Published today in Nature Communications, the findings highlight the test’s potential to transform early cancer detection and improve patient outcomes.

Study Publishes New Insights on Goblet Cell Differentiation in Colorectal Cancer

The Oncology Department at the University of Oxford is excited to announce the forthcoming publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) of the research paper “Goblet Cell Differentiation Subgroups in Colorectal Cancer.” This groundbreaking study sheds light on the role of goblet cell differentiation in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its impact on cancer progression and prognosis.

Ground-breaking Study reveals previously unknown genetic causes of Colorectal Cancer

A pioneering study, led by UK universities, including the University of Oxford, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the University of Manchester and the University of Leeds, has provided the most comprehensive analysis to date of the genetic makeup of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Subashan Vadibeler wins 2024 Lasker Essay Contest

Subashan Vadibeler, a recent Oxford Rhodes scholar and Department of Oncology student, is one of five co-winners of the international 2024 Lasker Essay Contest, sponsored by the Lasker Foundation.