Pneumococcal Vaccine in Lung Cancer: a Literature Review

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the organisms that causes various diseases with a high burden. Pneumonia is one of the diseases caused by of S. pneumoniae. The pneumococcal vaccine is useful for creating immunity against S. pneumoniae. Pneumococcal vaccines available in Indonesia consist of two types, polysaccharide vaccines and conjugate vaccines. The polysaccharide vaccine is PPSV23 and the conjugate vaccines consist of PCV13, PCV15 and PCV20. The conjugate vaccine can provide more effective immunity involving the activation of T cells and memory B cells. The pneumococcal vaccine provides effective protection against S. pneumoniae and has good safety. Lung cancer patients have higher risk of infection, including pneumonia. Aside from the pathological condition, cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, can contribute to altered immune system thus increasing risk of infection. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for lung cancer patients. Knowledge of pneumococcal vaccine is essential to optimize lung cancer treatment. This review provides current evidence considering the use and effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccine in lung cancer patients.