ASH 2021 | COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in patients with multiple myeloma and MGUS

Nikhil Munshi, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, summarizes the results of a study investigating the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma and with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The study included two cohorts composed of vaccinated and matched unvaccinated patients with multiple myeloma and MGUS. Overall, the study reported that vaccine responses in patients with multiple myeloma and MGUS were limited compared to controls and to patients with other cancers, and that the benefit of the vaccine disappeared after six months. In addition, the effectiveness of the vaccine in patients with multiple myeloma was 5.6% compared to 27.2% in patients with MGUS. It was also found that the percentage of breakthrough infections in patients with multiple myeloma who received their last treatment three months before vaccination was higher than in patients who received their last treatment more than 6 months before vaccination. Therefore, it is still important for patients with multiple myeloma and MGUS to maintain social distancing measures. This interview took place at the 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition congress in Atlanta, GA.