Patients living with a cancer diagnosis 'must have five vaccinations

In Tuscany alone, 200,000 men and women are living with a cancer diagnosis. In the region, new cases of cancer amount to more than 25 thousand a year, and six out of ten patients are alive five years after the onset of the disease. And it is precisely from the conference on Vaccination in the Oncological Patient held at the Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana that a message comes to all these people, namely that they should undergo five vaccinations: anti-pneumococcal, anti-flu, anti-Herpes Zoster, anti-HPV, and that against Covid-19. In fact, immunisations are now fundamental in the treatment pathway and can defend the patient from dangerous infections. The conference was promoted by the AIOM Foundation (Italian Association of Medical Oncology), which this year launched a new edition of the national campaign of the same name. In fact, a tour has started in 10 regions where meetings are organised with medical oncologists, patient associations and other figures from the multidisciplinary oncology team. The Tuscan leg of the project was made possible by the non-binding sponsorship of GlaxoSmithKline.

"The oncological patient, due to the pathology and subsequent therapies, is very susceptible to certain infections," emphasises Carmelo Bengala, Director, UOC Medical Oncology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana. "Through immunisations, we are able to protect him from dangerous pathogens and serious, sometimes even fatal diseases. This is the case with Herpes Zoster whose risk of infection increases by 40% in the presence of a solid tumour. Seasonal influenza or pneumococcal pneumonia can also have very negative consequences and even cause hospitalisation due to complications. Vaccines are safe health care products with great and unquestionable benefits. As AIOM, we were one of the first Scientific Societies in the world to publish specific Guidelines in which we indicate the timing and method of administration of vaccines'. "The cancer patient has special needs," adds Caterina Rizzo, Professor of General and Applied Hygiene at the Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Pisa. "Depending on the type of therapy underway, it is advisable to assess whether to anticipate or postpone vaccination, using the most appropriate vaccines. Even patients no longer in active treatment, but in follow-up, must continue to protect themselves. Unfortunately, we sometimes observe some vaccination hesitation on the part of patients or caregivers, linked to unfounded fears about possible side effects or the risk that vaccination may interfere with cancer therapies. It is important to reassure and inform correctly: the benefits far outweigh any perceived risks'.

"Patients and caregivers must be reassured by medical personnel," concludes Gianni Amunni, ISPRO Scientific Coordinator. Vaccinations must always be accompanied by appropriate information and communication measures. To encourage immunisations, the vaccination clinic should be active in the same healthcare facilities where the patient is already receiving treatment. Vaccinations are a fundamental tool for the primary prevention of many diseases, including some forms of cancer. We have also long realised their importance within the medical care we must provide to cancer patients'. Vaccination in the Oncology Patient was launched last April by the AIOM Foundation to promote the value of vaccinations among cancer patients. In addition to the tour in 10 regions, it includes the distribution of brochures, an information portal (vaccininelpazienteoncologico.it), awareness-raising spots, and social media activities.