Perception and Experience of Oncologists regarding Vaccination of Cancer Patients on Active Treatment

Background : The COVID-19 epidemic has wreaked havoc on individuals of all ages throughout the world. I In unprecedented time frame, its vaccination has been produced and made available to the general population. However, due to varying levels of its acceptance, vaccination did not gain widespread adoption. Aim: We aimed to measure the perception and experience of oncologists towards COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients on active therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire was circulated among oncology specialists in Egypt between September – and December 2021. Results: A total of 83 respondents participated of which 59% had more than 10 years of experience in the oncology field. The majority of the respondents 75 (90.4%) recommended giving the vaccine once available in case of hormonal treatment meanwhile the lowest percentage 32 (38.5%) was for anti CD20 monoclonal antibody, either as a single agent or combined with chemotherapy. Choices of 49 (59%), 46 (55%), and 43 (51.8%) to vaccinate patients on active treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy, MoAb (except anti CD20), and immunotherapy respectively were reported. The inactivated COVID-19 virus vaccine was recommended by 39 (47%), followed by Vector vaccines in 20 (24.1%), 8 (9.6%) for the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, while 16(19.3%) of them were undecided. Thirty-nine (47%) of the participants reported that patients on active treatment developed side effects from vaccination. The most conveyed side effects were fatigue in 34 (87%), fever or a local reaction each in 28 (71.8%), headache and myalgia equally in 19 (48.7%), and chills in 11 (28.2%), and myalgia in10 (25.6 %). Conclusion: Strategies to address the practicality of dealing with vaccination in cancer patients are needed. Emphasis on the installation of the latest data in caring for this population and increased awareness of the services provided is crucial. Surveys are a useful tool reflecting real-world practice.