Abstract 1609P
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global effort to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The mRNA-based BNT162b2 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 was found to be safe and effective in a nationwide mass vaccination setting and among cancer patients with solid tumors. The legalization of cannabis' medicinal use is rapidly increasing worldwide, and its use in patients with cancer is growing. Data suggest cannabis and its active ingredients have immune-modulating effects. We aimed to evaluate the effect of medical cannabis use on the efficacy and safety of the BNT162b2 vaccine in cancer patients.
Methods
The study was conducted as a subgroup analysis of a prospective study to evaluate vaccine outcomes in a cohort of patients with solid malignancies undergoing anti-cancer therapy. Serologic tests for the detection of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were performed after the second vaccination. Questionnaires regarding adverse reactions were administered at serum collection and electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic data, disease characteristics, cannabis use, and documentation of COVID-19 infection.
Results
Of the 229 patients who participated in the study, 52 received medical marijuana (23%). A trend towards higher rate of seronegativity was reported for patients treated with medical cannabis (23% vs 12%, p-0.08). This trend was even higher in patients treated only with Cannabidiol (CBD) compounds (40%). Safety profile was similar to the entire cohort, with the exception of fatigue, which was more common in the cannabis group (38% vs 19% respectively p-0.01).
Conclusions
The results of this study might indicate a trend of lower immunogenicity in the subgroup of patients with solid malignancies who are also treated with medical cannabis.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.