GAZYVA and COVID19 antibody tests

[hasta]

I have CLL. 5 years ago I had FCR treatment and my blood markers had become normal. Last October unfortunately my lymphocyte count started rising and my oncologist put me on Gazyva, and I received 6 infusions Oct20 thru March21. In the meantime I was vaccinated with Moderna twice. Later in September I got the third shot, but this time the Pfizer vaccine. Recently my doctor ordered a quantitative Covid test and the results showed that I had no antibodies formed in my blood. I am really disappointed. Does anyone have a similar experience? Thank you

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Unfortunately, it is well recognised that anyone treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (Gazyva/obinutuzumab, Mabthera/rituximab, Arzerra/ofatumumab and similar), is unlikely to develop much in the way of an antibody response to any vaccinations for up to a year or more after their last infusion. That's because these drugs continue circulating in our blood stream, attaching to B-lymphocytes until the monoclonal antibodies are all used up.

Clinical trials examining the responses of those with CLL to COVID-19 vaccinations are beginning to report on our how effective our cellular immunity (T-cell) response is to vaccination, but the best advice remains to be vaccinated yet continue to behave as if you are unvaccinated.

Neil

[hasta in reply to AussieNeil]

Hi AussieNeil, Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate your detailed explanation. Best Regards

[Name-1 in reply to AussieNeil]

My last Rituximab was in september 2021.I received two Sinopharm withaut antibody and Pfizer (10.10.21).I don not know results.But,I have not hope.

[stevesmith1964]

I have had 6 Obinatuzamab cycles and on acalabrutinib. 3 jabs and 2 bouts of Covid .... Still no antibodies. Maybe when I get covid a few more times some may appear.

[Annie1920]

O+V here and negative antibody test (spike and neucleocapsid tests)

[Sojomama13]

Hi, I am on a trial of Acalabrutinib, Obinutuzumab and Venetoclax . Feeling fantastic, but I produced zero antibodies after two shots and a booster. I do not stress out about that because I know that we have not looked into our T-Cell response, we now have therapeutics and monoclonal antibodies and I wear a mask, wash my hands and am careful what situations I put myself in. I know a number of people without underlying conditions who were fully vaccinated and got super sick from Covid. As someone who has CLL and immune compromised, I always try to be safe, with or without a pandemic. I am not as stressed as I was in the beginning because we now have some weapons to fight back against this virus. Best,

Sandy

[hasta in reply to Sojomama13]

Thank you for your reply.

[Flute117]

O and V treatment - last infusion January 2021, last V October 2021. Had 2 Pfizer shot series March and April 2021 and no antibodies. Will get 3rd Pfizer shot early December. I do not expect to see antibodies this time either, but as my specialist said (and Dr Lamanna reiterated in recent LLS interview), there is more to the immune system than antibodies. I sure hope something is working, but I continue to behave as if I am unvaccinated.