Loss of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity in pediatric cancer survivors following chemotherapy
Issued Date
2026-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
17560500
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105028431609
Pubmed ID
41419933
Journal Title
BMC Research Notes
Volume
19
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMC Research Notes Vol.19 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Nakasuwan K., Chaisavaneeyakorn S., Pakakasama S., Techasaensiri C., Apiwattanakul N., Boonsathorn S. Loss of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity in pediatric cancer survivors following chemotherapy. BMC Research Notes Vol.19 No.1 (2026). doi:10.1186/s13104-025-07617-1 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114499
Title
Loss of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity in pediatric cancer survivors following chemotherapy
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objectives: Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to treatment-related immunosuppression. This study aimed to assess serological status for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) following chemotherapy and identify factors associated with antibody loss. Results: Fifty-four pediatric cancer survivors (mean age 12.5 years) were evaluated at a median of 2.5 years (IQR 1.2, 5.4) after completing chemotherapy. All participants had received at least one MMR dose before their cancer diagnosis and had completed treatment at least six months prior. Overall, 43 patients (79.6%) were seronegative for at least one MMR component. Seronegativity was highest for measles (64.8%), followed by mumps (55.6%) and rubella (35.2%). Measles seronegativity was significantly associated with a longer interval since chemotherapy (> 5 years; p = 0.04) and older age at receipt of the second MMR dose (mean 86.4 vs. 44.9 months; p = 0.002). No significant associations were observed for mumps or rubella seronegativity. These findings indicate a substantial decline in MMR immunity after chemotherapy and support the incorporation of routine post-chemotherapy revaccination into survivorship care, especially in settings where serologic testing is not readily available.