Oncologist counseling practice and COVID-19 vaccination outcomes for patients with history of PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022 Jul;69(7):e29686. doi: 10.1002/pbc.29686. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Abstract

Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an effective strategy to prevent serious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is important for oncology patients. mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are contraindicated in those with a history of severe or immediate allergy to any vaccine component, including polyethylene glycol (PEG)2000. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma receive asparaginase conjugated to PEG5000 (PEG-ASNase) and those with PEG-ASNase-associated hypersensitivity may be unnecessarily excluded from receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. We, therefore, surveyed oncologists on COVID-19 vaccine counseling practice and vaccination outcomes in COVID-19 vaccination-eligible patients and show safe receipt of mRNA vaccines despite PEG-ASNase hypersensitivity.

Keywords: ALL; COVID vaccine; LLy; SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; pegasparaginase.

MeSH terms

  • Asparaginase* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Counseling
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Oncologists
  • Polyethylene Glycols* / adverse effects
  • RNA, Messenger
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • pegaspargase
  • Asparaginase