Pneumococcal Vaccination of Multiple Myeloma Patients on Novel Agents

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer of plasma cells that occurs in older individuals with a median age at diagnosis of 69 years and a median overall survival of 6-7 years [Kumar S.K., et al. Leukemia, 2014; Rollig C., et al. Lancet., 2015]. Over the past years novel agents have been introduced into clinical practice, showing improved overall response rates, progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with multiple myeloma. The main classes of novel agents include proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents and monoclonal antibodies. These agents are typically used in doublet or triplet regimens that include a chemotherapeutic drug and/or corticosteroid.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Patients with multiple myeloma are at high risk of developing life-threatening Streptococcus pneumoniae infections due to chemotherapy-associated immunosuppression. Vaccination is an important preventive strategy against infections caused by S. pneumoniae. In the past, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was recommended. However, polysaccharide vaccines have limited efficacy in cancer and hematology patients, because of the decreased T- and B-cell responses. Clinical efficacy and safety of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines in multiple myeloma patients receiving novel agents have not been studied before.

In this study the investigators wish to study the effect of vaccination with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in multiple myeloma patients treated with novel agents (proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs). The main aim of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in multiple myeloma patients treated with novel agents.