Revaccination following CAR-T therapy: a needs assessment

BACKGROUND: CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has transformed treatment for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, offering promising remission rates. However, it carries significant infectious risks, necessitating revaccination for infection prevention. METHODS: This single-center quality improvement study aimed to (1) assess revaccination uptake and barriers in CAR-T recipients through interviews and focus groups, and (2) use qualitative insights to develop an educational handout to improve revaccination adherence. The study was conducted at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, and enrolled 22 patients who received CAR-T between January 2020 and June 2023. Participants completed a survey evaluating their revaccination experience, which informed the development of a patient-facing educational handout. A focus group of survey participants then reviewed the handout and offered feedback on its clarity and usefulness. RESULTS: Only 50% of participants proceeded with revaccination. Key barriers included limited awareness among primary care providers (PCPs), poor communication between hematologists and PCPs, and logistical difficulties. The focus group highlighted gaps in understanding post-CAR-T immunization needs and emphasized the importance of patient and physician education. Participants supported the creation of a concise handout outlining the revaccination schedule and clarified the PCP's role in coordination. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for improved communication across care providers and accessible patient education to support post-CAR-T revaccination. Future efforts should focus on implementing and evaluating targeted educational tools to enhance vaccine uptake in this high-risk population..