A dermatologist oncologist uses a dermatoscope to examine moles and birthmarks on the patient's body. Melanoma Day, Skin Cancer

In a surprising and potentially game-changing development, a newly published study in Nature shows that standard mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna) may do more than protect against SARS‑CoV-2 — they might also enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. For medical practices and pharmacies that administer COVID vaccines, this could be a significant new piece of information to consider.

At US Physicians’ Purchasing Group (USPPG), we believe in empowering our members — practices, clinics, pharmacies, and providers — with not just the best vaccine pricing, but also the most up-to-date clinical insights. With our existing contracts with Pfizer and Moderna, this research may be particularly relevant to your COVID‑19 vaccination program and to conversations with your patients and oncologists.

In this post, we’ll break down the study’s findings, what they mean for cancer patients, how practices might respond, and why being a part of USPPG can help you navigate these emerging opportunities.

What the Study Found: COVID mRNA + Cancer Immunotherapy

Background: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors & Challenges

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) — such as anti‑PD-1 or anti‑PD-L1 therapies — have transformed cancer treatment. These drugs “take the brakes off” the immune system, enabling T cells to attack cancer cells. But ICIs don’t always work — especially in tumors that are considered “cold,” meaning they lack a strong pre-existing immune response.

One of the big challenges: some patients don’t have enough immune activation before or during checkpoint therapy, which reduces the therapy’s effectiveness.

The Breakthrough: mRNA COVID Vaccines as Immune Modulators

A research team (led by Dr. Adam Grippin, among others) found that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) can help sensitize tumors to ICIs.

  • Preclinical (animal) data: In mouse models, mice that received a COVID mRNA vaccine showed:
    • A boost in type I interferon signaling.
    • Activation of innate immune cells that stimulated CD8+ T cells capable of recognizing tumor antigens.
    • Combined vaccination + ICI treatment resulted in much better tumor response, especially in “cold” tumors.
  • Human data (retrospective): Review of nearly 1,000 cancer patients with NSCLC or melanoma receiving ICI therapy showed:
    • Patients vaccinated within ~100 days of starting ICI therapy had significantly better overall survival.
    • Immune activation correlates were observed: elevated type I interferon, myeloid‑lymphoid activation, increased PD-L1 expression.
  • Magnitude of benefit: Median survival jumped from ~20.6 months (unvaccinated) to ~37.3 months (vaccinated).
  • Mechanistic plausibility: mRNA vaccines act as potent innate immune stimulants, “waking up” immune cells and enabling ICIs to work more effectively.
  • Caveats: Human data are observational. Prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm causation, optimal timing, and safety.

Elderly man getting COVID booster by a pharmacist with gloves on

Why This Matters for Practices & Pharmacies

If you’re a medical practice, clinic, or pharmacy that administers COVID vaccines, here’s why this research is relevant clinically and operationally.

1. A New Value‑Add for Your COVID Vaccination Program

  • Clinical relevance: COVID vaccines may offer additional benefits, especially for patients on immunotherapy.
  • Patient conversations: Knowledgeable providers can serve as trusted sources.
  • Collaboration with oncologists: Opens dialogue for timing vaccination around ICI therapy.

2. Operational & Procurement Implications

  • Vaccine inventory planning: Prepare for potential demand shifts.
  • Cost management: USPPG contracts with Pfizer & Moderna help reduce procurement costs.
  • Strategic positioning: Membership ensures reliable supply and flexibility.

3. Patient Education & Trust

  • Educating patients: Share credible, digestible research.
  • Building trust: Being informed on cutting-edge science strengthens patient confidence.

How USPPG Supports Practices in This New Landscape

Discounted Pfizer & Moderna Vaccines through USPPG

Supporting Your Clinical & Administrative Needs

  • Personalized service for inventory planning, forecasting, and contract support.
  • Access to vaccine-related updates and industry insights.
  • Streamlined procurement to reduce administrative burden and costs.

Glass vials with COVID-19 vaccine on light table

Key Considerations & Next Steps for Practices & Pharmacies

A. Clinical Considerations

  • Do not change practice solely on retrospective data; continue evidence-based standards.
  • Monitor emerging clinical trials for timing and safety insights.
  • Engage oncology partners for coordination.
  • Provide patient counseling with balanced information.

B. Operational & Financial Considerations

  • Inventory strategy: Align stock with potential demand from oncology patients.
  • Forecasting & budgeting: Use USPPG contracts for cost-efficient procurement.
  • Staff training: Educate staff to answer patient questions.
  • Compliance & documentation: Track vaccine administration relative to ICI therapy.

Risks, Limitations & Ethical Considerations

  • Association vs. causation: Observational data does not prove causation.
  • Retrospective bias: Selection and confounding variables may affect results.
  • Safety in specific populations requires prospective validation.
  • Equity & access: Ensure fair access to vaccination for all patients.
  • Regulatory & guideline context: Current oncology and vaccination guidelines have not changed yet.

Why USPPG Members Are Well‑Positioned

  • Trusted access to discounted Pfizer & Moderna vaccines.
  • Scalability to respond to shifting demand.
  • Education and support on emerging clinical insights.
  • Networking opportunities with other practices and pharmacies.
  • Advocacy potential for future policies, trials, or procurement priorities.

Hypothetical Scenarios: How Practices Might Use This Information

  • Primary Care Practice: Coordinates with oncologists to vaccinate patients prior to ICI therapy using USPPG-supplied vaccines.
  • Pharmacy Near Cancer Center: Aligns vaccination timing with oncology clinic schedules.
  • Oncology Practice: Develops SOP for vaccination timing, collects real-world data.
  • Small Independent Practice: Uses study for patient education and ensures flexible vaccine ordering through USPPG.

What’s Next: Watch This Space

  • Monitor prospective clinical trials testing vaccination timing with ICIs.
  • Watch for guideline updates from ASCO, ESMO, NCCN.
  • Consider contributing real-world data to registries.
  • Follow developments in mRNA-based oncology vaccines.
  • Engage with USPPG on policy, reimbursement, and procurement updates.

Key Take‑Home Messages for Practices & Pharmacies

  1. New Evidence: mRNA COVID vaccines may enhance ICI therapy.
  2. Mechanism: Stimulates innate immunity and primes CD8+ T cells.
  3. Clinical Impact: Observational studies show improved survival.
  4. Not Yet Standard: Prospective trials are needed.
  5. Operational Relevance: Impacts vaccine planning and patient counseling.
  6. USPPG Advantage: Discounted vaccines, reliable supply, and support.
  7. Staying Informed: Engage oncology partners and monitor studies.

Conclusion

The discovery that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may help sensitize tumors to immunotherapy is a groundbreaking development. For practices and pharmacies administering Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, this may influence vaccine planning, patient counseling, and collaboration with oncology providers.

USPPG members benefit from discounted vaccines, reliable supply, and expert support — making it easier to stay ahead of emerging clinical trends.

If you’re not yet a member of USPPG, now is a great time to join. With no membership fees, no volume quotas, and access to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at discounted rates, USPPG helps practices support patients effectively, including those starting cancer immunotherapies.

Contact USPPG today at 1-877-MY-USPPG or usppg@usppg.org to learn more about supporting your vaccine program.