Two teams of pharmacologists have published an article in the renowned scientific journal “British Journal of Cancer.” A written piece on the selection of a COVID-19 vaccine suitable for cancer patients.
At a time when the COVID-19 vaccination campaign is a hot topic, a team of cancer pharmacologists composed of Dr. Gรฉrard Milano from the Antoine Lacassagne Center in Nice, along with his colleague Dr. Raphaรซlle Fanciullino and Professor Joseph Ciccolini from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Marseille, has just published a paper on the importance of selecting the right vaccine for cancer patients. As the research work in different laboratories was conducted at breakneck speed, certain nuances remain to be clarified, because indeed, not all vaccines are made from the same cloth.
Currently, five major types of vaccines against viruses are identified. They all share a common denominator, which aims to enable our immune system to reject a virus. However, some of them could have adverse effects concerning the treatments used to treat cancers. Several of these vaccine candidates for widespread distribution are Messenger RNA (mRNA). They are encapsulated in what are called liposomes, which allow the transportation of molecules capable of fighting the coronavirus, to land on targeted cells affected by the coronavirus. The problem is, this method of vaccine administration could, in some cancer patients, lead to the absorption of liposomes by tumor cells, thus rendering the vaccination entirely ineffective.
This is a warning communication, therefore, for Dr. Gรฉrard Milano: “We need to vaccinate selectively with the right vaccine, the one that will most likely be effective.” Because there is a range of alternative vaccines, whose development by different laboratories is reaching the final stages of research, and which would allow cancer patients to receive treatment tailored to their needs. “All vaccines are based on a common denominator that aims to help recognize the foreign body, but they do not spread in the body in the same way (either by inactivating the virus and making it harmless, or through the use of liposomes). In short, it is the vehicle that needs to be adapted,” explains Dr. Milano.
According to this study, it will be necessary to remain vigilant regarding the dosage of the vaccine to be administered to cancer patients. These individuals, according to the Government’s five-phase vaccination schedule, should primarily receive the vaccine, just like the residents of nursing homes.
