Imbruvica and vaccine

[moty3012]

I have CLL since 2011, age 67, male, Israeli.

I am on Imbruvica for the last 2 years, numbers are normal. dosage 280mg/day.

got the 2nd shot of Pfizer vaccine, and 10 days later had a lab test for antibody.

results: I have no COVID-19 antibody.

so I have no idea if I am safe or not.

I think it has to do with the Imbruvica action against white blood cells.

will be nice to hear professional idea about this result.

[Davidcara]

There is a tread asking the same question, not sure how to direct you to it though. I’ve been on ibrutinib 8 months. Due for second Pfizer this week. Hoping for some sort of response. Hoping to check a spike antibody test a few weeks afterwards. It would be nice, if someone could post a positive antibody response. Maybe I’ll ask that question in a separate post.

[PaulaS Volunteer]

That's disappointing, Moti, but it's still possible that you have developed some degree of protection. Tests for antibodies seem to be unreliable, with doctors having different opinions on their accuracy and significance. There are different sorts of tests too, some more useful than others.

Ibrutinib may well make a difference, but not enough data to know for sure.

I'm on Ibrutinib too, and my consultant still recommended me to have a Covid jab. Had the first one 2 days ago. Even after the second, I won't assume I'm "safe" , but I'll feel I've done my best by getting them.

Best wishes

Paula

[stevesmith1964]

Having worked in diagnostics for 40 years and having a wife who has a 20 year background in blood cancers... and who currently working with world experts on Covid19 antibody responses..... i am not expecting to make any. I am negative for IgG Neutralising antibodies to the Trimeric Spike protein after 10 days post vaccination, will be checking again on day 14 and day 21. I am on 480 mg ibrutinib daily and between cycles 3 and 4 Obinutuzumab. I was diagnosed high risk stage 4 in November.... no symptoms at all.

[Justasheet1 in reply to stevesmith1964]

Steve,

Keep us posted on your results and I hold out hope that your immunity level runs deeper than only antibodies.

As you know, the bodies immune system is complex and has many layers so there is probably more to protection than we understand. 🍻

Jeff

[stevesmith1964 in reply to Justasheet1]

Cheers

[Sharipisc]

Great question and I’d like to know the answer. Many articles I have read state that CLL patients do not have a high response to the vaccine.