Low neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in older patients with myeloma after the first BNT162b2 vaccine dose

Abstract

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are at an increased risk for infection because of their immunocompromised state, old age, and comorbidities. 1 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes moderate to severe acute respiratory dysfunction in 77% of patients with MM, and ~8% end up in critical condition. 2 More than 80% of patients with MM who are infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) require hospitalization, 3 whereas ~33% of hospitalized MM patients with COVID-19 may die because of the infection. 4 This is mainly due to the limited therapeutic options for COVID-19.