- NCCN updates guidelines to recommend monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 prevention in cancer patients.
- The JAMA Oncology study reveals high hospitalization rates and significant treatment disruptions for cancer patients with COVID-19.
- Over 50% of cancer treatment disruptions were directly attributed to COVID-19.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated its guidelines, now recommending the use of monoclonal antibodies for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in cancer patients. This aligns with guidance from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasizing the protection of immunocompromised individuals.
Invivyd (IVVD, Financial) announced that this guideline update signifies a significant advancement in COVID-19 prevention strategies specifically for cancer patients. The approval opens potential commercial opportunities for Invivyd's monoclonal antibody products, as it establishes a formalized pathway for their use across 33 leading cancer centers in the U.S.
New research published in JAMA Oncology from the National Cancer Institute's COVID-19 in Cancer Patients Study highlights the severe impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer. The study, involving 1,572 participants, found that over 50% of all cancer treatment disruptions were directly linked to COVID-19. Further, of the 290 patients initially hospitalized, 31 required readmission within 30 days due to COVID-19 complications.
Invivyd's strategic focus on monoclonal antibodies and the growing alignment among NCCN, IDSA, and CDC not only paves the way for increased adoption of their products but also underscores the critical role of these antibodies in maintaining treatment continuity and reducing severe COVID-19 outcomes among vulnerable populations.
