[Stann]

Childhood vaccinations

by Stann on Tue Jan 10, 2012 9:21 pm

I have a question regarding childhood vaccinations post SCT.
Since a vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to react and create antibodies to the diseases that are targeted, wouldn't it make sense to discontinue immunosuppressants for a time period before and after vaccination?
The point being, if the immune system is suppressed, it's not going to react as vigorously to the "attack" of the vaccine and not create the same number (strength?) of antibodies.
I'm on maintenance Revlimid and will be getting my vaccinations in a few weeks. And neither oncologist has brought this up, so just wondering. (maybe too much wondering?)
Any thoughts?

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Childhood vaccinations

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:25 am

Dear Stann,

Maintenance doses of Revlimid ought not to substantially blunt an immune response to a vaccine, although this has not been rigorously studied. In fact, given the "immunomodulatory" effects of drugs like Revlimid, one could make the argument that it might enhance the response to the vaccine.

Take care!

Pete V.

[Stann]

Re: Childhood vaccinations

by Stann on Wed Jan 11, 2012 4:11 pm

Thank you Dr. Voorhees. That's encouraging.
I would love the chance to play "immunomodulatory" in scrabble.

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Childhood vaccinations

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:56 pm

We do have a lot of terrific scrabble words in the world of myeloma! Bortezomib, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, elotuzumab,vorinostat, panobinostat -- the possibilities!

Pete V.