Long-term immune response to mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with cancer

Lobo-Martins, Soraia;Martins-Branco, Diogo;Padonou, Francine;Dahma, Hafid;Delsaute, Tabatha;et.al.
(2026) Frontiers in Immunology — Vol. 17, p. 1815933 (2026)

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  • Lobo-Martins, SoraiaAcademic Trials Promoting Team (ATPT), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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  • Martins-Branco, DiogoAcademic Trials Promoting Team (ATPT), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
    Author
  • Padonou, FrancineMolecular Immunology Unit, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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  • Dahma, HafidLaboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (LHUB-ULB), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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  • Delsaute, TabathaClinical Trials Center (CTC), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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  • et. al.
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Abstract
Introduction: Patients with cancer are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 but were underrepresented in pivotal vaccine trials. Data on the magnitude and determinants of immune responses to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population remain limited. Methods: I-SPARC is a prospective, phase IV clinical trial evaluating humoral and cellular immune responses to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 115 patients with cancer, including those receiving systemic therapy and those in remission. Anti-Spike antibody titers were measured longitudinally, and immunophenotyping was performed to assess T and B cell subsets. Clinical outcomes, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, were recorded. Results: All patients developed detectable anti-Spike antibodies, although absolute titers varied by cancer type and treatment. Patients with hematologic malignancies and/or receiving chemotherapy had the lowest anti-Spike antibody levels. Booster doses significantly increased titers, particularly in patients in remission or receiving non-cytotoxic therapies. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and the number of vaccine doses were associated with better responses. Immunophenotyping confirmed vaccine-induced expansion of memory T and B lymphocyte subpopulations. SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 16% of our cohort, with infrequent severe cases. Discussion: mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit robust humoral and cellular immune responses in patients with cancer, despite variability according to disease type and treatment. These findings support the use of booster strategies and provide a rationale for tailored vaccination approaches in immunocompromised populations.
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Lobo-Martins, S., Martins-Branco, D., Padonou, F., Dahma, H., Van Den Wijngaert, S., Jaouart, M., Dauccia, C., Molinelli, C., Agostinetto, E., Loizidou, A., Taylor, D., Boisson, A., Garaud, S., Spilleboudt, C., Vicente Cardona, J., Ramge, P., Balas, B., Bajji, M., George, F., et al. (2026). Long-term immune response to mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with cancer. Frontiers in Immunology, 17, 1815933. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1815933 (Original work published 2026)