Case Report Probes mRNA Vaccines-Cancer Link

Researchers examine potential connection between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and development of blood cancers.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new case report published in Oncotarget explores a potential link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the development of haematopoietic cancers. The report details the case of a 38-year-old woman who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma shortly after receiving her second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The authors reviewed existing literature and discussed possible immune-related mechanisms that could connect mRNA vaccines to blood cancers, calling for further investigation.

Why it matters

This case report adds to a small body of evidence suggesting that immune disturbances from mRNA vaccines should be studied further, as understanding potential rare risks is essential for ensuring informed public health decisions while maintaining trust in vaccine programs.

The details

The case report focuses on a 38-year-old woman who began experiencing immune-related symptoms the day after her second COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose. Within months, she was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer affecting early-stage lymphocytes. While she initially achieved complete remission through chemotherapy, she later experienced a central nervous system relapse and underwent a stem cell transplant. The authors also reviewed several other reports describing similar cancer cases after COVID-19 vaccination, including lymphomas, leukemias, and other haematopoietic disorders. They discussed potential mechanisms, including immune suppression, increased inflammation, and vaccine-related interference with key cancer-protective proteins.

  • The case report was published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget on February 6, 2026.
  • The 38-year-old woman developed symptoms the day after her second COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose.

The players

Patrizia Gentilini

First author of the case report.

Panagis Polykretis

Corresponding author of the case report, from the "Allineare Sanità e Salute" Foundation and Independent Medical Scientific Commission (CMSi), Milano.

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What they’re saying

“The carcinogenic risk associated with these technologies, which has long been known within the gene therapy field, represents an area of research that cannot be ignored, given the fundamental principle of medicine "primum non nocere" (first, do no harm).”

— Panagis Polykretis (Oncotarget)

What’s next

The authors emphasize the importance of continuing long-term safety monitoring as mRNA vaccine technologies are expanded to other uses.

The takeaway

This case report raises important questions about a potential link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the development of blood cancers, highlighting the need for further investigation to ensure the safety of these vaccines and maintain public trust in vaccination programs.