COVID-19 and immune checkpoint inhibitors: initial considerations

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• COVID-19 causes severe inflammation, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals and those with cardiopulmonary conditions.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted cancer care delivery and management.
• Optimal management strategies for cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) during the pandemic remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of using ICIs in cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To address clinical questions regarding the management of patients requiring anticancer therapy, specifically ICIs, amidst COVID-19.
• To offer guidance on managing potential interactions between ICIs and COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical considerations regarding ICI use during COVID-19.
• Discussion of diagnostic challenges differentiating COVID-19 from ICI toxicity.
• Analysis of therapeutic decisions, including continuation, interruption, and resumption of ICI therapy.

Main Results:

• The impact of ICIs on COVID-19 severity requires further investigation.
• Clinical decision-making involves balancing cancer treatment needs with COVID-19 risks.
• Distinguishing between COVID-19 symptoms and immune-related adverse events from ICIs can be challenging.

Conclusions:

• Further robust data are needed to guide clinical practice for cancer patients affected by COVID-19.
• This commentary offers insights for clinicians managing patients on ICIs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Careful consideration of ICI therapy is crucial for immunocompromised cancer patients during pandemics.