Vaccines play a growing and important role in preventing relapse of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a type of blood cancer that affects lymphocytes, which are a key part of the immune system. The role of vaccines in this context is multifaceted, involving both direct and indirect mechanisms to help maintain remission and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma arises from abnormal growth of lymphocytes, often B cells, and can be associated with infections by certain viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Some vaccines target these viruses to prevent their infection or reactivation, which can contribute to lymphoma development or relapse. For example, experimental vaccines against EBV have shown promise in preventing EBV infection and EBV-related lymphomas in preclinical models. These vaccines induce strong immune responses that neutralize the virus, thereby reducing the risk that EBV will trigger lymphoma cells to grow again[1].
Beyond virus-targeted vaccines, vaccines can also be used as part of immunotherapy strategies designed to stimulate the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack lymphoma cells. These cancer vaccines are different from traditional vaccines that prevent infections; instead, they aim to train the immune system to detect specific markers or antigens present on lymphoma cells. By boosting the immune surveillance against residual cancer cells that might remain after initial treatment, these vaccines can help prevent relapse. Some experimental immunotherapies combine vaccines with other immune-boosting agents to enhance the body’s ability to control or eliminate lymphoma cells[5].
Patients with NHL often undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy that can weaken their immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections. Vaccination against common infections such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and COVID-19 is crucial in these patients to prevent infections that could complicate their recovery or trigger relapse indirectly by causing immune stress. However, live vaccines are generally avoided during active treatment because of safety concerns, while inactivated vaccines are recommended to maintain protection against infections[3][4].
The effectiveness of vaccines in preventing relapse also depends on the patient’s immune status, which can vary widely due to factors like genetics, metabolic health, and prior treatments. Personalized vaccination strategies that optimize vaccine delivery and use immunomodulatory adjuvants (substances that enhance immune response) are being explored to improve vaccine efficacy in lymphoma patients. Techniques such as skin delivery methods or adjunct therapies like acupuncture and near-infrared light therapy have shown potential to boost immune responses to vaccines, which could translate into better control of lymphoma relapse[2].
In summary, vaccines contribute to preventing relapse of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma through several pathways:
– **Preventing viral infections** that are linked to lymphoma development or relapse, especially EBV.
– **Stimulating the immune system** to recognize and attack residual lymphoma cells via cancer vaccines and immunotherapies.
– **Protecting patients from infections** that could weaken their immune system or trigger lymphoma recurrence.
– **Enhancing vaccine responses** through personalized approaches and immunomodulatory techniques to overcome immune suppression caused by lymphoma or its treatment.
While research is ongoing, the integration of vaccines into lymphoma care represents a promising frontier to improve long-term outcomes and reduce relapse rates by harnessing the power of the immune system in a targeted and sustained way.
