The Oncologist: Immunogenicity of an Inactivated Monovalent 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine in Patients Who Have Cancer (prospective single site study + 2 related articles))

Blogger's Note: reminder - full access requires subscription ($$$); note also related articles 

Abstract  
Background. The immune response of patients who have cancer, who may be receiving immunosuppressive therapy, is generally considered to be decreased. This study aimed to evaluate the immune response of cancer patients to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.

COMMENTARY

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Vaccination of Oncology Patients: An Effective Tool and an Opportunity Not to Be Missed

Camille N. Kotton, Mark C. Poznansky

Oncologist published 12 January 2012, 10.1634/theoncologist.2011-0383
http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/reprint/theoncologist.2011-0383v1
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OUTCOMES RESEARCH: CASE REPORT

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Immunogenicity of an Inactivated Monovalent 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine in Patients Who Have Cancer

Yiqing Xu, Nanda Methuku, Praveena Coimbatore, Theresa Fitzgerald, Yiwu Huang, Ying-Yi Xiao, Murali Pagala, Shachi Gupta, William Solomon, Philip Rubin, John Treanor, Alan Astrow, Howard Minkoff, Jay S. Cooper

Oncologist published 12 January 2012, 10.1634/theoncologist.2011-0220
http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/abstract/theoncologist.2011-0220v1

response to prior letter: HINI and Cancer

Note/background: Please reference prior blog postings Nov 1-5th, 2009  regarding the apparent lack of access to care of an ovarian cancer woman and the systemic issues surrounding the H1N1.

email response (better late than never) December 2, 2009 4:57 pm:

"Thank you for writing and bringing to my attention your concerns regarding the government’s handling of the H1N1 vaccine roll out. As you are aware, the vaccine is now available to all members of the public.
Your views and comments are appreciated and helpful to my work as Leader of Canada’s New Democrats.
Between the conflicting messages, queue jumping, and sole sourced contracts; we feel the federal government could have done a better job handling the distribution of the vaccine. NDP Health Critic Judy Wasylycia-Leis continues to be our lead on this issue and you can review her work by visiting: http://www.judywl.ndp.ca/news/health.

Looking forward, we will continue to press the federal government to take a proper role in helping Canadians stay healthy and providing access to treatment when needed through:

- promoting healthy living
- hiring and training more doctors and nurses
- creating a pan-Canadian home care program
- ensuring prescription medicines are affordable

If you are interested in our plans to improve health care in Canada, I encourage you to check for details here: http://www.ndp.ca/platform/healthcare.

Again, thank you for sharing your views and comments as they helpful to my work as Leader of Canada’s New Democrats. All the best.

Sincerely,
Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada's New Democrats"

H1N1 and Cancer - update

Letter to the Editor;

With the focus of attention on H1N1 are we allowing care for those 
desparately ill to go to the bottom of today's priority list? It would 
seem so. 

I have a friend in need. The cancer is killing both of us. The 
cancer is killing my friend because of the disease. It is killing me 
because I am sitting here watching and listening to this friend who 
needs help but cannot access palliative care assistance. It seems that 
this patient has tried to access help without success. 

I believe there must be a healthcare provider somewhere in this province, 
who can exercise some form of a miracle and connect the dots. Out of privacy 
concerns I will not publicly provide this patient's personal information 
but what I do need is someone in the Vancouver area who has the authority, 
ability and willingness to help this patient. 

As a cancer survivour and friend, the best I can do is place a call for action. 
As a healthcare provider, you have the means to make it work. I will connect 
you. Please help because we need to and we must.

Sandi Pniauskas

October 30, 2009

http://ovariancancerandus.blogspot.com
http://ovariancancerdebate.blogspot.com/

November 1st, 2009 update: This letter was circulated through 

media outlets, Twitter, Facebook,
listservs, professional organizations etc. With the exception

of Charles Adler (media broadcaster) 
and 2 cancer survivours it fell on deaf ears.