Few data are available regarding the efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with hematological malignancies, and particular, plasma cell neoplasia. This ongoing single-center study aimed to describe the level of post-vaccination anti-SARS-CoV-2-antibodies depending on B lymphocyte count, current therapy, and remission status of patients with multiple myeloma and related plasma cell dyscrasia, after the first dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The 82 patients included in this study received SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (including mRNA- and vector-based vaccines) as a routine measure. After the first vaccination, a positive SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody titer (SP-AbT) was detected in 23% of assessable patients. SARS-CoV-2 SP-AbT was significantly higher in patients with higher CD19+ B lymphocyte counts. A cut-off value of ≥30 CD19+ B cells/µL was significantly positive correlating with higher SARS-CoV-2 SP-AbT. In contrast, current treatment with anti-CD38-antibodies has led to significantly reduced SP-AbT titers. Furthermore, in multivariable linear regression, higher age and insufficiently controlled disease significantly correlated negatively with SARS-CoV-2 SP-AbT. Conversely, treatment with immunomodulatory drugs did not harm the development of antibody titers. Based on our results, the majority of myeloma patients respond poorly after receiving the first dose of any anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and need booster vaccination.

Background: The impact of smoking continuation or cessation on the outcome of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients concerning recurrence and survival rates is not well understood. We aimed to analyze the prognostic role of smoking habits in patients with newly diagnosed HNC and the effects on survival, recurrence rates, and second primary tumor (SPT) development. Methods: A systematic literature review of the databases PubMed and Web of Science was performed in October 2019 using the search words "head and neck cancer" and "smoking cessation." Articles analyzing the effects of ongoing smoking or smoking cessation in HNC patients were included. Results: Twelve studies published from 1993 to 2016 including 6,308 patients with HNC of stages I-IV were eligible for analysis. The median follow-up was 5 years. Six of 8 studies revealed an improved outcome concerning the median overall survival or survival rates favoring smoking cessation. Regarding recurrence rates, 5 of 6 studies indicated a statistically significant benefit associated with smoking cessation, and 2 of 3 studies showed a lower risk for SPT associated with postdiagnosis smoking cessation. Conclusion: Smoking cessation in patients with newly diagnosed HNC is associated with improved outcomes concerning overall survival, recurrence rates, and SPTs. Further research is needed to validate these results and to evaluate the specific effects on different tumor types and treatment approaches.

Key Points Patients with acute leukemia present with a prolonged and severe course of COVID-19, which is paralleled by high rates of viremia. Low-intensive chemotherapy seems to be more feasible in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection.