COV-BT Ire study: safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in patients with brain tumors

Background The BNT162b2 vaccine conferred 95% protection against COVID-19 in people aged 16 years or older. Objective The aim of this observational study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of vaccine in patients affected by primary brain tumor (PBT). Methods We proposed COVID-19 vaccine to all patients affected by PBT followed by Neuroncology Unit of National Cancer Institute Regina Elena. Results 102 patients received the first dose, 100 the second, and 73 patients received the booster dose. After first dose, we observed one patient with fever and severe fatigue, while after the second one, we recorded adverse events in ten patients. No correlation was observed between adverse events and comorbidities. Conclusions The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and well tolerated in PBT patients.