This post is reviewed and updated each year in time for the U.S. flu season. It was first published October 3, 2019.

Every year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that nearly everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine. If you are a person with cancer, a survivor, or a caregiver, the flu could be even more dangerous for you or your loved ones. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor about the vaccine. Make sure you get your flu shot this fall!

Why should I get the flu shot?

cancer treatment can weaken the immune system and put people with cancer at an increased risk for problems from the flu. These problems can include dehydration, sinus and ear infections, and bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. More serious problems include pneumonia, sepsis (a dangerous bodily reaction to infection), and inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues. 

When should I get my flu shot?

In general, the best time to get the flu shot is in September or October. The CDC specifically recommends that adults aged 65 and older avoid early vaccination in July or August if possible, because they may be less protected later in the season. But it’s important to talk with your doctor, as there are specific situations where it’s best to get the flu shot early. (Learn more about these exceptions on the CDC website.)

It is never too late to get vaccinated during flu season. Late vaccination can still help, and your doctor should have access to the flu vaccine throughout the winter.

Timing is particularly important for people getting or recovering from cancer treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best time for you to receive the flu shot, especially if you are currently receiving immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or Chemotherapy or if you have recently had a transplant. They will help you determine the best plan for when to get your flu shot, so you have the best protection without affecting your cancer treatment plan.

Is there more than 1 type of flu shot?

Yes, and it’s important to ask which is best for you. For the 2023–2024 flu season, there are 6 flu vaccine options. All of the flu vaccine options described below are quadrivalent vaccines, which means they protect against the 4 different flu viruses that are expected to be most common during this flu season. If you are 65 years or older or if you have an egg allergy, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the different options available to you. People with an egg allergy may receive any of the vaccines described below, so long as the vaccine is otherwise appropriate based on their age and overall health. The links below will take you to the CDC’s website for more information on each type of vaccine.

• Standard-Dose Flu Vaccine: This year’s standard-dose flu vaccine is available for those aged 6 months to 64 years. It is not generally recommended for adults 65 and older. Different types of standard-dose flu vaccines are approved for different age groups, so talk with your doctor about which specific type of flu vaccine is recommended for you or different members of your family.

• High-Dose Flu Vaccine: Recommended for adults 65 years and older, this vaccine contains 4 times the antigens of the standard-dose vaccine. Antigens are what help your body protect itself against the flu.

• Flu Vaccine with Adjuvant: This is another flu vaccine option for adults who are 65 years and older. An adjuvant is the type of ingredient added to the vaccine in order to help the body have a stronger immune response.

• Cell-Based Flu Vaccines: This flu vaccine option is meant for people 6 months and older. Instead of growing the flu viruses in eggs, this vaccine uses flu viruses that are grown in cultured cells.   

• Recombinant Flu Vaccine: The recombinant flu vaccine is another option for adults 65 years and older. Eggs are not used in the production of this vaccine. It is only recommended for people who are older than 18.

• Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine: Also called live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), the nasal spray vaccine is an option for some people between the ages of 2 and 49. Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are 50 or older, have a weakened immune system, or are a caregiver for those who have a greatly weakened immune system. There are additional people who should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine. People with cancer and their caregivers should talk with the doctor before getting the nasal spray flu vaccine.

What else can I do to protect myself against the flu?

Getting your flu vaccine is just the first step in preventing the spread of the flu. Here are some other ways you can help stop the spread of illnesses: 

• Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to get the flu shot. This provides a ring of protection around you, too.

• Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face.

• Wear a mask as directed by public health officials and your doctor’s recommendations.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• Stay home if you are feeling sick, and let your doctor know.

• Wipe down surfaces regularly with a disinfectant cleaner at work, home, and school, especially areas that you touch often, such as counters, phones, and handles on doors, faucets, and appliances.

On June 8, 2023, cancerCare’s Young Professionals Committee (YPC) celebrated its sixth annual fundraising event at the Michael Kors Building in SoHo, Manhattan. The gathering not only celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s five young scholarship recipients to support future undergraduate scholarships for young adults impacted by cancer. With an impressive lineup of speakers and an enthusiastic audience, the event brought together over 140 guests and supporters.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of mingling, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and impressive auction items, including tickets to “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” the U.S. Open, Pilates classes, Legoland and more.

Although the primary goal of the event was to raise the equivalent of four YPC Scholarship awards, thanks to the incredible support from sponsors, donors and guests, the fundraising goal was not only reached, but doubled. This outstanding achievement showcases the dedication and commitment of all those involved, demonstrating the impact that collective efforts can have in transforming the lives of young adults affected by cancer.

This year’s YPC event marked another successful fundraiser, showcasing the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. The evening’s speakers included: Patricia Goldsmith, cancerCare’s Chief Executive Officer, Eunice E. Hong, cancerCare’s Director of Philanthropy and two of this year’s scholarship recipients, Gabby, an incoming junior at Central Connecticut State University and Victoria, an incoming senior at Harvard University. Thanks to the evening’s supporters and generous contributions, the event not only raised funds but also awareness for the crucial work of cancerCare at large.

About the YPC
cancerCare’s Young Professionals Committee, considered its junior board, plays an important role in expanding outreach, raising funds and realizing strategic initiatives. This committee, composed of 20 core young adult members and steadily growing, works in close partnership with key stakeholders within cancerCare and external partners. Their dedication and drive allow them to engage with the community-at-large and spearhead social and professional events that advance cancerCare’s mission.

The committee is composed of emerging leaders representing a diverse range of industries and companies, including Amazon, Point72 Asset Management, Bristol Myers Squibb, NBCUniversal, Lumanity and the Flatiron Institute. Their collective expertise and passion bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to the table, strengthening cancerCare’s ability to support those affected by cancer.

The Young Professionals Committee continues to welcome individuals, ages 40 and under, who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer. If you are interested in learning more about the YPC, its Scholarship Program, or joining the committee, please reach out to Eunice E. Hong at ehong@cancercare.org.

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The Alliance for Clinical Trials in oncology today announced that an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) determined that the phase III CABINET (A021602) pivotal trial met its primary endpoint at an interim analysis in both of the trial’s cohorts, demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival (PFS).

CABINET is evaluating cabozantinib compared with placebo in patients with either advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) or advanced extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (also referred to as carcinoid tumors) who experienced progression after prior systemic therapy. The DSMB recommended the study stop early due to efficacy and findings will be discussed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Detailed results from the trial will be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting.

“Patients with progressive neuroendocrine tumors have limited treatment options. At present, after progression on previous therapies, the treatment path is unclear, underscoring the need for additional options for this disease that is rising in incidence,” said Jennifer Chan, MD, MPH, study chair for the CABINET trial and Clinical Director of the Gastrointestinal cancer Center and Director of the Program in Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors at Dana-Farber cancer Institute.

“These promising findings from the CABINET trial, in which cabozantinib showed an efficacy benefit for patients with pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, are welcome news and show the potential for cabozantinib to address important unmet needs for this community.”

The safety profile of cabozantinib observed in the trial was consistent with its known safety profile, and no new safety signals were identified.

“The Alliance and NCTN have a long and established history of successful practice changing cancer clinical trials. The results of CABINET add to this important work to further improve the outcomes of patients with the rare tumors of pancreatic and extra-pancreatic NET,” said Suzanne George, MD, Interim Group Chair of the Alliance, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Director at the Center for Sarcoma and Bone oncology at Dana-Farber cancer Institute.

CABINET (Randomized, double-blinded phase III study of cabozantinib versus placebo in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors after progression on prior therapy) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase III pivotal trial that enrolled 290 patients in two separate cohorts (pNET, n=93; extra-pancreatic NET, n=197) in the United States.

Patients were randomized 2:1 into the cabozantinib or placebo arms of the study in each of the two cohorts. Patients must have had measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 criteria and must have experienced disease progression after at least one FDA-approved line of prior therapy other than somatostatin analogs. The primary endpoint was PFS in each cohort. Upon confirmation of disease progression, patients were unblinded, and those receiving placebo were permitted to cross over to open-label therapy with cabozantinib. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, radiographic response rate and safety.

“The CABINET trial is a great example of the importance of the National Clinical Trials Network, sponsored by the National cancer Institute, in conducting rigorous, practice changing trials at both academic and community oncology practices throughout the United States, working with industry partners, patient advocacy, and academia,” noted Eileen O’Reilly, MD, from Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer Center and Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, from Dana-Farber cancer Institute, who co-chair the Gastrointestinal Committee for the Alliance.

Each year, about 12,000 people will be diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors are cancers that develop from cells in the diffuse neuroendocrine system. The cells can be found throughout the body, but the most common places for tumors to develop are in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and pancreas. Most NETs grow slowly, but some are more aggressive, growing rapidly and spreading to other parts of the body. There are several types of treatment for neuroendocrine cancer, including surgery, liver-directed therapy, somatostatin analogs, Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.

“This is great news for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors! You will now have another weapon in your arsenal against these cancers,” said Julie Krause, a GI patient advocate with the Alliance. “If you are progressing on standard care for treatment of pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, cabozantinib showed amazing results in the CABINET trial. I am very excited about this advance for these patients.”

Provided by
Alliance for Clinical Trials in oncology