Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Vaccines and Immunotherapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 36868

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: cancer; lung cancer; immunotherapy; immune-related adverse events
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: cancer; lung cancer; head and neck cancer; immunotherapy; immune-related adverse events
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since November 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has resulted in more than 250 million confirmed cases and 5 million deaths worldwide, disrupting all aspects of human society, including patient care. While patients with cancer appear more vulnerable to suffering from complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, social distancing, lockdown measures as well as the impendence of overhwelmed healthcare systems have severly affected decision-making processes of medical oncologists.

This Special Issue will focus on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the care of patients with cancer covering aspects such as the epidemiology & management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with malignancy, delayed diagnosis and management of the underlying malignancy, caveats in the design and conduct of clinical trials, running guidelines regarding the vaccination of patients with cancer, mRNA technology and its applications in cancer therapy and the application of the SARS-CoV-2 expertise in the development of novel antineoplastic drugs. Original research articles and reviews are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Syrigos
Guest Editor

Dr. Ioannis Vathiotis
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 522 KiB  
Communication
Evolution and Progress of mRNA Vaccines in the Treatment of Melanoma: Future Prospects
by Dimitrios Bafaloukos, Ioanna Gazouli, Christos Koutserimpas and George Samonis
Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030636 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4227
Abstract
mRNA vaccines encoding tumor antigens may be able to sensitize the immune system of the host against cancer cells, enhancing antigen presentation and immune response. Since the breakout of the COVID19 pandemic, interest in mRNA vaccines has been accelerating, as vaccination against the [...] Read more.
mRNA vaccines encoding tumor antigens may be able to sensitize the immune system of the host against cancer cells, enhancing antigen presentation and immune response. Since the breakout of the COVID19 pandemic, interest in mRNA vaccines has been accelerating, as vaccination against the virus served as a measure to limit disease spread. Given that immunotherapy has been the cornerstone of melanoma treatment over the last several decades, further innate immunity enhancement by targeted mRNA vaccines could be the next pivotal achievement in melanoma treatment. Preclinical data coming from murine cancer models have already provided evidence of mRNA vaccines’ ability to induce host immune responses against cancer. Moreover, specific immune responses have been observed in melanoma patients receiving mRNA vaccines, while the recent KEYNOTE-942 trial may establish the incorporation of the mRNA-4157/V940 vaccine into the melanoma treatment algorithm, in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition. As the existing data are further tested and reviewed, investigators are already gaining enthusiasm about this novel, promising pathway in cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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7 pages, 588 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Postvaccination Neutralizing Antibodies Response against SARS-CoV-2 in Cancer Patients under Treatment with Targeted Agents
by Flora Zagouri, Alkistis Papatheodoridi, Michalis Liontos, Alexandros Briasoulis, Aimilia D. Sklirou, Efthymia Skafida, Oraianthi Fiste, Christos Markellos, Angeliki Andrikopoulou, Konstantinos Koutsoukos, Maria Kaparelou, Eirini Gkogkou, Ioannis P. Trougakos, Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos and Evangelos Terpos
Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091474 - 5 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2118
Abstract
The administration of a third dose of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has increased protection against disease transmission and severity. However, the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies against the virus has been poorly studied in cancer patients under targeted therapies. Baseline characteristics and levels of [...] Read more.
The administration of a third dose of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has increased protection against disease transmission and severity. However, the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies against the virus has been poorly studied in cancer patients under targeted therapies. Baseline characteristics and levels of neutralizing antibodies at specific timepoints after vaccination were compared between patients suffering from breast, ovarian or prostate cancer and healthy individuals. Breast cancer patients were treated with cyclin D kinase 4/6 inhibitors and hormonal therapy, ovarian cancer patients were treated with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and prostate cancer patients were treated with an androgen receptor targeted agent. Levels of neutralizing antibodies were significantly lower in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals at all timepoints. Antibodies’ titers declined over time in both groups but remained above protective levels (>50%) at 6 months after the administration of the second dose. The administration of a third dose increased neutralizing antibodies’ levels in both groups. The titers of protective against SARS-CoV-2 antibodies wane over time and increase after a third dose in cancer patients under treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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9 pages, 713 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Seroconversion after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Lung Cancer
by Ioannis P. Trontzas, Ioannis Vathiotis, Christina Economidou, Ioulia Petridou, Georgia Gomatou, Maria Grammoustianou, Ioannis Tsamis, Nikolaos Syrigos, Maximilian Anagnostakis, Eleni Fyta, Vissaria Sakka, Garyphalia Poulakou, Elias A. Kotteas and Ekaterini Syrigou
Vaccines 2022, 10(4), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10040618 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2878
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 mortality rates are significantly higher in patients with lung cancer compared with the general population. However, little is known on their immunization status after vaccination. Methods: To evaluate the humoral response (seroconversion) of patients with lung cancer following vaccination [...] Read more.
Background: SARS-CoV-2 mortality rates are significantly higher in patients with lung cancer compared with the general population. However, little is known on their immunization status after vaccination. Methods: To evaluate the humoral response (seroconversion) of patients with lung cancer following vaccination against SARS-COV-2 (Group A), we obtained antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein both at baseline and at different time points after the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (two to three weeks [T1], six weeks ± one week [T2], 12 weeks ± three weeks [T3], and 24 weeks ± three weeks [T4]). Antibodies were also acquired from a control cohort of non-lung cancer patients (Group B) as well as a third cohort containing healthy controls (Group C) at all time points and at T4, respectively, to make comparisons with Group A. Analysis of antibody response at different time points, association with clinicopathologic parameters, and comparisons with control groups were performed. Results: A total of 125 patients with lung cancer were included in the analysis (96 males [74.3%], median age of 68 years [46–91]. All study participants received two vaccine doses (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, AZD1222). Analysis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titers showed minimal response at T1 (0.4 [0.4–48.6] IU/mL). Antibody response peaked at T2 (527.0 [0.4–2500] IU/mL) and declined over T3 (323.0 [0.4–2500] IU/mL) and T4 (141.0 [0.4–2500] IU/mL). Active smokers had lower antibody titers at T2 (p = 0.04), T3 (p = 0.04), and T4 (p < 0.0001) compared with former or never smokers. Peak antibody titers were not associated with any other clinicopathologic characteristic. No significant differences were observed compared with Group B. However, lung cancer patients exhibited significantly decreased antibody titers compared with Group C at T4 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Lung cancer patients demonstrate sufficient antibody response six weeks after the first dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 when vaccinated with two-dose regimens. Rapidly declining antibody titers six weeks after the first dose underline the need for a third dose three months later, in patients with lung cancer, and especially active smokers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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10 pages, 1162 KiB  
Communication
Prediction of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Immunogenicity, Immune Escape and Pathogenicity, through the Analysis of Spike Protein-Specific Core Unique Peptides
by Evangelos Kontopodis, Vasileios Pierros, Dimitrios J. Stravopodis and George T. Tsangaris
Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030357 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1916
Abstract
The recently discovered Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has raised a new, global, awareness. In this study, we identified the Core Unique Peptides (CrUPs) that reside exclusively in the Omicron variant of Spike protein and are absent from the human proteome, creating [...] Read more.
The recently discovered Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has raised a new, global, awareness. In this study, we identified the Core Unique Peptides (CrUPs) that reside exclusively in the Omicron variant of Spike protein and are absent from the human proteome, creating a new dataset of peptides named as SARS-CoV-2 CrUPs against the human proteome (C/H-CrUPs), and we analyzed their locations in comparison to the Alpha and Delta variants. In Omicron, 115 C/H-CrUPs were generated and 119 C/H-CrUPs were lost, almost four times as many compared to the other two variants. At the Receptor Binding Motif (RBM), 8 mutations were detected, resulting in the construction of 28 novel C/H-CrUPs. Most importantly, in the Omicron variant, new C/H-CrUPs carrying two or three mutant amino acids were produced, as a consequence of the accumulation of multiple mutations in the RBM. These C/H-CrUPs could not be recognized in any other viral Spike variant. Our findings indicated that the virus binding to the ACE2 receptor is facilitated by the herein identified C/H-CrUPs in contact point mutations and Spike cleavage sites, while the immunoregulatory NF9 peptide is not detectably affected. Thus, the Omicron variant could escape immune-system attack, while the strong viral binding to the ACE2 receptor leads to the highly efficient fusion of the virus to the target cell. However, the intact NF9 peptide suggests that Omicron exhibits reduced pathogenicity compared to the Delta variant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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Review

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19 pages, 708 KiB  
Review
Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology: Will We Say Checkmate Soon?
by Alexander Ciurej, Elizabeth Lewis, Avanti Gupte and Eman Al-Antary
Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121843 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a relatively new class of immunotherapy which bolsters the host immune system by “turning off the brakes” of effector cells (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1). Although their success in treating adult malignancy is well documented, their utility in pediatric [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a relatively new class of immunotherapy which bolsters the host immune system by “turning off the brakes” of effector cells (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1). Although their success in treating adult malignancy is well documented, their utility in pediatric cancer has not yet been shown to be as fruitful. We review ICIs, their use in pediatric malignancies, and active pediatric clinical trials, exemplifying some of adult efforts that could be related to pediatric future trials and complications of ICI therapy. Through our review, we propose the consideration of ICI as standard therapy in lymphoma and various solid tumor types, especially in relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate ICI effectiveness in pediatric leukemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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15 pages, 295 KiB  
Review
Serological Response to SARS-CoV-2 after COVID-19 Vaccination in Lung Cancer Patients: Short Review
by Ananda M. Rodilla, Sooyun Tavolacci, Jazz Cagan, Tanay Shah, Sandeep Mittan, Philip C. Mack and Fred R. Hirsch
Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11050969 - 11 May 2023
Viewed by 2779
Abstract
In comparison to the general population, lung cancer patients are more likely to suffer from severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and associated mortality. Considering this increased risk, and in order to prevent symptoms and severe disease, patients with lung cancer have been prioritized for [...] Read more.
In comparison to the general population, lung cancer patients are more likely to suffer from severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and associated mortality. Considering this increased risk, and in order to prevent symptoms and severe disease, patients with lung cancer have been prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination primary and booster doses. Despite this, the pivotal clinical trials did not include these patients, which leaves open questions regarding vaccine efficacy and humoral immune response. This review outlines the findings of recent investigations into the humoral responses of lung cancer patients to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly the primary doses and first boost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
15 pages, 1150 KiB  
Review
The Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Malignancy Diagnosis and Treatment: Never the Same but Lessons Learned
by Ghadir K. Katato, Prasiksha Sitaula, Avanti Gupte and Eman T. Al-Antary
Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030667 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic affected the pediatric oncology population globally. Over the course of 2 years, increasing reports have been made to better understand this entity and its pathologic complications on these patients. The pandemic has allowed healthcare [...] Read more.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic affected the pediatric oncology population globally. Over the course of 2 years, increasing reports have been made to better understand this entity and its pathologic complications on these patients. The pandemic has allowed healthcare providers, hospital systems, and leading oncologic societies to quickly adapt and formulate new guidelines for the effective understanding, management, and treatment of patients with pediatric malignancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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10 pages, 261 KiB  
Review
Areas of Uncertainty in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination for Cancer Patients
by Anastasios Dimou
Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122117 - 11 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1362
Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was recognized that infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer; therefore, preventive vaccination in cancer survivors is expected to be particularly impactful. Heterogeneity in how a neoplastic disease diagnosis and [...] Read more.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was recognized that infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer; therefore, preventive vaccination in cancer survivors is expected to be particularly impactful. Heterogeneity in how a neoplastic disease diagnosis and treatment interferes with humoral and cellular immunity, however, poses a number of challenges in vaccination strategies. Herein, the available literature on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among patients with cancer is critically appraised under the lens of anti-neoplastic treatment optimization. The objective of this review is to highlight areas of uncertainty, where more research could inform future SARS-CoV-2 immunization programs and maximize benefits in the high-risk cancer survivor population, and also minimize cancer treatment deviations from standard practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
22 pages, 774 KiB  
Review
Application of mRNA Technology in Cancer Therapeutics
by Yesim Eralp
Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081262 - 5 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5184
Abstract
mRNA-based therapeutics pose as promising treatment strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Improvements in materials and technology of delivery systems have helped to overcome major obstacles in generating a sufficient immune response required to fight a specific type of cancer. Several in vivo models and [...] Read more.
mRNA-based therapeutics pose as promising treatment strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Improvements in materials and technology of delivery systems have helped to overcome major obstacles in generating a sufficient immune response required to fight a specific type of cancer. Several in vivo models and early clinical studies have suggested that various mRNA treatment platforms can induce cancer-specific cytolytic activity, leading to numerous clinical trials to determine the optimal method of combinations and sequencing with already established agents in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, further research is required to optimize RNA stabilization, delivery platforms, and improve clinical efficacy by interacting with the tumor microenvironment to induce a long-term antitumor response. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the recent advances and efforts to overcome existing challenges of mRNA-based treatment strategies, and how these efforts play key roles in offering perceptive insights into future considerations for clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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12 pages, 1011 KiB  
Review
The Big Potential of Small Particles: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles and Exosomes in Vaccination
by Marina Ben Shimon, Shiran Shapira, Jonathan Seni and Nadir Arber
Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10071119 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2994
Abstract
Some of the most significant medical achievements in recent history are the development of distinct and effective vaccines, and the improvement of the efficacy of previously existing ones, which have contributed to the eradication of many dangerous and life-threatening diseases. Immunization depends on [...] Read more.
Some of the most significant medical achievements in recent history are the development of distinct and effective vaccines, and the improvement of the efficacy of previously existing ones, which have contributed to the eradication of many dangerous and life-threatening diseases. Immunization depends on the generation of a physiological memory response and protection against infection. It is therefore crucial that antigens are delivered in an efficient manner, to elicit a robust immune response. The recent approval of COVID-19 vaccines containing lipid nanoparticles encapsulating mRNA demonstrates the broad potential of lipid-based delivery systems. In light of this, the present review article summarizes currently synthesized lipid-based nanoparticles such as liposomes, lipid-nano particles, or cell-derived exosomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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Other

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5 pages, 525 KiB  
Brief Report
Significant Increase in Blood Pressure Following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers: A Rare Event
by Nikolaos Syrigos, Anastasios Kollias, Dimitra Grapsa, Eleni Fyta, Konstantinos G. Kyriakoulis, Ioannis Vathiotis, Elias Kotteas and Ekaterini Syrigou
Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10050745 - 10 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6667
Abstract
This brief report examined the frequency and characteristics of a significant blood-pressure (BP) increase after Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccination among healthcare workers who were advised to measure their BP at home. A total of 797 participants (mean age 48.1 ± 10.8 years, 63% women, [...] Read more.
This brief report examined the frequency and characteristics of a significant blood-pressure (BP) increase after Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccination among healthcare workers who were advised to measure their BP at home. A total of 797 participants (mean age 48.1 ± 10.8 years, 63% women, 39% smokers) were included in the analysis. Seven participants reported an increase in their BP (three in the range of grade 2 and four in the range of grade 3 hypertension). Only one participant had a history of treated hypertension. The BP increase was observed at the end of the first week after the first dose, lasted for 3 to 4 days, and recurred promptly after the second dose. Only one case required hospitalization, mainly due to a history of cardiovascular disease (follow-up). Individuals experiencing a BP increase compared with those not reporting issues with their BP had a higher mean age and similar distribution of sex and non-smoking status. In conclusion, a significant BP increase after Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination seems to be rare and of a benign and transient nature. Monitoring the BP before and after vaccination might be advisable only for selected individuals with a high cardiovascular risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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6 pages, 1786 KiB  
Case Report
Therapeutic Effect of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine on Melanoma Skin Metastases
by Dimitrios Bafaloukos, Kalliopi Petraki, Aikaterini Bousmpoukea, Eleni Chatzichristou, Ioannis Pieris, Christos Koutserimpas and George Samonis
Vaccines 2022, 10(4), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10040525 - 28 Mar 2022
Viewed by 1768
Abstract
A unique case of multiple metastatic melanoma skin nodules regression in a heavily pretreated, 72-year-old Caucasian female, after administering the second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, is presented. Two days after vaccination, all her melanoma skin nodules became painful and were [...] Read more.
A unique case of multiple metastatic melanoma skin nodules regression in a heavily pretreated, 72-year-old Caucasian female, after administering the second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, is presented. Two days after vaccination, all her melanoma skin nodules became painful and were significantly reduced in size. Physical examination and ultrasound imaging confirmed the patient’s observation. The effect was sustained, and further reduction of the nodules occurred after the third vaccine dose. One of the reduced nodules was removed, histologically examined, and its histopathology was compared to that of another such nodule removed and examined earlier. Distinct differences were observed between the two histopathologies, with the most notable the unexpected finding of the absence of infiltrating lymphocytes in the reducer nodule’s melanoma tissue. Based on this observation, the possible immunological mechanism(s) leading to the vaccine’s effect are speculated. More possible is the vaccine’s antitumor and apoptotic activity via stimulation of the Tol Like Receptors 3, 7, and 8, and (downstream) the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cells pathway of the non-lymphocytic immune effector cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncology in the Era of SARS-CoV-2)
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