COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and immune-related adverse events in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: a target trial emulation study - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #immune-related adverse events
- #immune checkpoint inhibitors
- #COVID-19 vaccination
- Study examined if COVID-19 mRNA vaccination increases immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in cancer patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
- Using a retrospective cohort with target trial emulation, 7,218 patients were matched; vaccinated within 100 days before ICI start (n=3,609) vs unvaccinated (n=3,609).
- Vaccinated patients had a 22% higher risk of overall irAEs (HR 1.22), driven by ocular irAEs (HR 1.48), with trends for dermatologic/rheumatologic events.
- Despite increased irAEs, vaccination was linked to 14% lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.86) and 57% fewer ICU admissions (HR 0.43), indicating survival benefits outweigh risks.
- Enhanced monitoring for irAEs, especially ocular in high-risk groups, is recommended, but vaccination should continue for all eligible patients.