Project 1: Characterization of the Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Lung Cancer Patients

PROJECT 1: ABSTRACT Current information indicates that, in persons without cancer, natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 as well as vaccination with COVID-19 vaccine candidates induce antibody responses to the spike protein of the virus which should be protective against future infection. Lung cancer patients who become infected with SARS- CoV-2 appear to develop severe COVID-19 with a high (35-40%) mortality rate indicating we urgently need to plan for vaccine trials in this vulnerable population. Currently we have major knowledge gaps to fill in preparation for such vaccine studies. These include: is there a higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in lung cancer patients compared to the general population? Do lung cancer patients mount a comparable antibody response in terms of quantity, quality, and longevity to people without lung cancer? Equally important are information in lung cancer patients on the role of age, gender, smoking status, histology, and types of treatment for lung cancer on both SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and generation of antibody responses. Through prospective analyses of lung cancer cases (N= 1,000) and matched controls (N = 1,000) this Project "Characterization of the Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Lung Cancer Patients" will provide answers to these important questions through study of 4 specific aims and the use of our U54 Administrative, Clinical, and Data Sciences Cores. Aim 1: Characterize the incident, magnitude and functionality of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in lung cancer patients versus non-lung cancer controls. Aim 2: Compare the longevity of the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in lung cancer patients versus non-lung cancer controls. Aim 3: Evaluate the impact of patient demographics and cancer-associated clinical factors on the antibody response in lung cancer patients. And Aim 4: Characterize antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lung cancer patients versus non-lung cancer controls. The patient serology specimens will also be studied for viral neutralizing functionality in collaboration with U54 Project 2. We have assembled a world-class team of lung cancer clinical translational investigators, serology and virology experts, and patient advocates to address these key issues. The results of this Project will have a significant impact on lung cancer patient management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even greater impact on designing optimal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination regimens for lung cancer patients.