BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the serological response and safety of influenza vaccine in patients with breast cancer in Mexico. MATERIAL/ METHODS: Between October and December 2001, patients with breast cancer were vaccinated with a split virus vaccine. Hemagglutination inhibition assay titers were measured before vaccination and 4-6 weeks later. Titer ratios were used as the primary measure of response. When comparing rate of response according to treatment, stage, or other patient-related variables, individuals with post vaccination titers >/=1:40 for all 3 antigen strains were called respondents. RESULTS: We analyzed 146 patients who were vaccinated and had influenza antibodies measured before and after vaccination. Seventy-two (49.3%) had locally advanced breast cancer, 117 (80.1%) were receiving cancer treatment, 91 (62.3%) were on chemotherapy. Response to vaccine was 47.2%; we found an additional 25.3% of patients who responded to two of the serotypes. In patients receiving chemotherapy the response rate was lower (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that influenza vaccine is safe and well tolerated in patients with breast cancer, but we observed a lessening of the immune response among patients receiving chemotherapy. Influenza vaccination should be recommended in all patients with breast cancer, regardless of the anti-neoplastic treatment.
BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the serological response and safety of influenza vaccine in patients with breast cancer in Mexico. MATERIAL/ METHODS: Between October and December 2001, patients with breast cancer were vaccinated with a split virus vaccine. Hemagglutination inhibition assay titers were measured before vaccination and 4-6 weeks later. Titer ratios were used as the primary measure of response. When comparing rate of response according to treatment, stage, or other patient-related variables, individuals with post vaccination titers >/=1:40 for all 3 antigen strains were called respondents. RESULTS: We analyzed 146 patients who were vaccinated and had influenza antibodies measured before and after vaccination. Seventy-two (49.3%) had locally advanced breast cancer, 117 (80.1%) were receiving cancer treatment, 91 (62.3%) were on chemotherapy. Response to vaccine was 47.2%; we found an additional 25.3% of patients who responded to two of the serotypes. In patients receiving chemotherapy the response rate was lower (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that influenza vaccine is safe and well tolerated in patients with breast cancer, but we observed a lessening of the immune response among patients receiving chemotherapy. Influenza vaccination should be recommended in all patients with breast cancer, regardless of the anti-neoplastic treatment.
Authors: Dong W Shin; Yeol Kim; Jong H Park; Juhee Cho; Hyun J Jho; Hyung-Kook Yang; Hyun S Kim; So Y Kim Journal: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Date: 2012-05-10 Impact factor: 4.380
Authors: P Loulergue; J Alexandre; I Iurisci; S Grabar; J Medioni; S Ropert; V Dieras; F Le Chevalier; S Oudard; F Goldwasser; P Lebon; O Launay Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2011-05-03 Impact factor: 7.640