CORSA study finds spike-specific blunted immune responses in lymphoma patients after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine - Report - MDSpire

CORSA study finds spike-specific blunted immune responses in lymphoma patients after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine

  • By

  • Lucia Mazzotti

  • Gerardo Musuraca

  • Fabio Affaticati

  • Esther Bartholomeus

  • Diana Campillo-Davo

  • Carole Faghel

  • Chiara Zingaretti

  • Flavia Foca

  • Claudio Cerchione

  • Valentina Ancarani

  • Patricia Borges de Souza

  • Fabio Nicolini

  • Anna De Lucia

  • Anna Gaimari

  • Oriana Nanni

  • Vittorio Sambri

  • Giovanni Martinelli

  • Francesco Malaspina

  • Pieter Meysman

  • Eva Lion

  • Massimiliano Mazza

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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CORSA trial reveals diminished immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lymphoma patients

Overview

The CORSA trial demonstrated significantly reduced immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lymphoma patients compared to healthy controls. Only 8% and 21% of lymphoma patients achieved seroconversion after the first and second vaccine doses, respectively, highlighting their vulnerability to COVID-19 despite some T-cell activity.

Background

Patients with hematological malignancies, particularly those undergoing treatment, are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 due to impaired immune responses. Vaccination is crucial for this population; however, their ability to generate protective immunity is often compromised. Understanding the immune response to vaccination in these patients is essential for optimizing their protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Data Highlights

GroupSeroconversion after Dose 1Seroconversion after Dose 2
Lymphoma Patients8%21%
Healthy Controls93%100%

Key Findings

  • Only 8% of lymphoma patients seroconverted after the first vaccine dose.
  • Seroconversion increased to 21% after the second dose in lymphoma patients.
  • 93% of healthy controls achieved seroconversion after the first dose, and 100% after the second.
  • 69% of seronegative lymphoma patients exhibited measurable T-cell activity post-vaccination.
  • Lymphoma patients showed significantly weaker Spike-specific TCR responses compared to healthy controls.
  • Clonal breadth and depth of T-cell responses were significantly reduced in lymphoma patients.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the diminished immune responses in lymphoma patients following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. This population may require additional doses or alternative preventive strategies to enhance their protection against COVID-19.

Conclusion

The CORSA trial underscores the need for tailored vaccination strategies in lymphoma patients to improve their immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, given their heightened vulnerability.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2021 -- Patients With Hematologic Malignancies: How Robust Is Their Immunity to SARS–CoV-2?
  2. The ASCO Post, 2021 -- COVID-19 Vaccination: Patients With Multiple Myeloma May Lack T-Cell Response
  3. The ASCO Post, 2023 -- COVID-19 Booster Doses May Strengthen Immunity in Patients With Lymphoma
  4. Blood Cancer Journal, 2021 -- Immune Response to Initial and Booster Covid-19 Vaccination in Individuals with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
  5. CDC, 2025 -- COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for People Who Are Immunocompromised
  6. PubMed, 2025 -- Impaired booster-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in rituximab-treated B-cell lymphoma patients despite peripheral B-Cell Recovery
  7. IDSA, 2025 -- Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal COVID-19 Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
  8. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for People Who Are Immunocompromised | Covid | CDC
  9. Impaired booster-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in rituximab-treated B-cell lymphoma patients despite peripheral B-Cell Recovery - PubMed
  10. IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal COVID-19 Infections in Immunocompromised Patients | Clinical Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic

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