Efficacy of pneumococcal vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma receiving novel agents: results of a prospective clinical study

Abstract

Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae is a life-threatening, but vaccine preventable complication in a range of immunosuppressed patients. Among the high-risk groups susceptible to invasive S. pneumoniae are patients with hematological malignancies receiving target treatment, novel agents and monoclonal antibodies. The changes in immunotherapy of multiple myeloma has now led to an increase in survival, while novel agents (bortezomib, lenalidomide, ixazomib) are reported to be associated with a high risk of pneumonias. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy of a 3-dose regimen of vaccination by conjugate pneumococcal vaccine introduced in between the chemotherapy cycles of novel agents.