Auto-immune toxicity of SARS-CoV2 vaccine in patients with thymic epithelial tumours: A prospective analysis from the tyme network

ABSTRACT

Background: There are many assumptions that raise fears of auto-immune toxicity of SARS-COV-2 vaccine in patients affected by Thymic epithelial tumours (TETs). TETs are associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders and vaccine autoimmune cross reactivity is associated with many syndromes such as Guillain-Barre, multiple sclerosis, demyelinating neuropathies. Moreover, a crossreaction between SARS-Cov-2 anti protein spike antibodies and several tissue proteins has been reported. Material and methods: We are prospectively collecting data on safety and new onset or recurrence of autoimmune disorders in patients with TETs who received SARSCOV- 2 vaccine and are treated in referral centres of the TYME network. Patients with both Thymoma [T] and Thymic carcinoma [TC], with and without pre-existing autoimmune disorders, treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, TKI or just in follow up are included in the analysis. Association between epidemiological-clinical factors and risk of general Adverse Events (AEs), immune-related AEs and worsening of autoimmune disorders will be assessed. Results: Preliminary data from the first 20 patients (14 TC and 4 T) suggest that the administration of SARSCOV- 2 vaccines is well tolerated, with no safety signals nor reactivation or new onset of autoimmune diseases observed. Prospective data collection of all TETs patients treated in referral centres of the TYME network is ongoing and will be presented at the time of AIOM congress. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that the administration of SARS-COV-2 vaccines is safe and well tolerated in patients affected by TETs. A comprehensive characterization of general and immune-related safety profile of SARSCOV- 2 vaccines in such rare oncological population, enriched for potential risk factors for AEs, is ongoing.