A research study, led by the University of Birmingham and utilizing UKCCP data, reveals a significant decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths among cancer patients post COVID-19 vaccine administration. This study, made available in the journal Scientific Reports, covered a duration of 21 months and concluded that age was a more influential mortality predictor than the cancer type.
The first of its kind, this comprehensive study observed a marked decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths among cancer patients following the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
Published on July 25 in the journal Scientific Reports, the study investigated the impact of the pandemic on case outcomes for cancer patients over a period of 21 months, from November 2020 to August 2022. The University of Birmingham-led research team discovered that hospitalizations during this period dropped from nearly one in three patients (30.58%) to one in 13 patients (7.45%); correspondingly, case mortality rates decreased from more than one in five patients (20.53%) to fewer than one in 30 patients (3.25%).
The study also found that among cancer patients, age was a stronger predictor of mortality rates than the cancer type. In 2022, the case mortality rate for patients over 80 was more than one in ten (10.32%), in contrast to less than one in 35 (2.83%) for those under 80.
In comparison to the general population, cancer patients were over twice as likely to be hospitalized (2.1 times as likely) or sadly pass away (2.54 times as likely) due to COVID-19 infections at the study’s conclusion.
Dr. Lennard Lee, from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham and the study’s lead author, stated:
“Cancer patients fear being overlooked. Our study indicates that the UK is progressing past the global pandemic, and we’re aware of those who remain most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they’re not left behind.
“This data certainly brings encouraging news for cancer patients. However, despite significant decreases in hospitalizations and deaths during our research period, the additional risk still exists.”
Thomas Starkey, a PhD researcher from the University of Birmingham and the study’s first author, stated:
“By collecting and analyzing electronic healthcare data, we can evaluate the real-world impact of the global pandemic in the UK. Now, we can utilize population-scale data to safeguard people living with cancer from infectious diseases such as COVID-19.”
Citation: “A population-scale temporal case-control evaluation of COVID-19 disease phenotype and related outcome rates in patients with cancer in England (UKCCP)” 25 July 2023, Scientific Reports.
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-023-36990-9
The study drew upon data from the UKCCP, one of the UK’s longest-serving pandemic responses, tasked with protecting, assessing, and safeguarding cancer patients.
This project was a population-based study of COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients from November 1, 2020, to August 31, 2022, initiated to understand the disease phenotype in the highest clinical risk groups.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 Vaccine Impact on Cancer Patients
What was the main finding of the study led by the University of Birmingham?
The study found a significant decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths among cancer patients following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Hospitalizations fell from nearly one in three patients to one in 13, and case mortality rates dropped from more than one in five patients to fewer than one in 30.
Over what period was the study conducted?
The study was conducted over a period of 21 months, from November 2020 to August 2022.
What was found to be a more influential mortality predictor than the type of cancer?
Age was found to be a more influential mortality predictor than the type of cancer. In 2022, the case mortality rate for patients over 80 was more than one in ten, in contrast to less than one in 35 for those under 80.
How does the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 compare between cancer patients and the general population?
Compared to the general population, cancer patients were over twice as likely to be hospitalized or pass away due to COVID-19 infections at the conclusion of the study.
What data did the study use?
The study used data from the UKCCP, one of the United Kingdom’s longest-running pandemic responses with a mission to safeguard, evaluate and protect patients with cancer.
Who led the study?
The study was led by Dr. Lennard Lee from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Thomas Starkey, a PhD researcher from the same university, was the first author of the study.
More about COVID-19 Vaccine Impact on Cancer Patients
- University of Birmingham
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham
- Scientific Reports
- UKCCP
- Scientific Reports Study – DOI
7 comments
My mom was a cancer patient and she was always scared about covid, wish she could see this news. miss you, mom…
i didnt think the vaccine would make such a difference. But it does. Science is awesome!
It’s encouraging to hear about such progress, especially when my dad is fighting cancer. Gives me hope, you know?
Wow, this is great news for cancer patients! Always feared getting the virus because of my condition. so glad the vaccine is working.
Is the vaccine this effective for all types of cancer or just some specific ones? Curious. Article doesnt make it clear.
We need more studies like this! Real world impact is what matters. Keep the hope alive.
These scientists are doing an amazing job. Kudos to the team at the University of Birmingham! keep up the good work.