Summary
New research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna may help some cancer patients by enhancing their immune response to tumors. In studies, cancer patients who received these vaccines lived longer while undergoing certain cancer treatments. Researchers are planning further studies to explore this potentially beneficial use of mRNA technology.
Key Facts
- COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna might boost the immune system in cancer patients, helping them fight tumors.
- The research looked at patients with advanced lung or skin cancer using certain immunotherapy drugs.
- Those who were vaccinated lived longer than those who were not.
- The mRNA in the vaccines seems to enhance the effect of the cancer treatment.
- The study was conducted by researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Florida.
- Only mRNA vaccines showed this benefit; other vaccines like flu shots did not have the same effect.
- Further studies are planned to investigate if combining mRNA vaccines with cancer treatments is effective.
