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Cancer and COVID-19: Unmasking their ties
1Oncology Department, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
Cancer Treatment Reviews
|June 10, 2020
Summary
Patients with cancer face higher risks of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications and mortality. This review examines COVID-19
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a pandemic.
- While most cases are mild, approximately 20% of patients develop severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and multi-organ failure, with a 3-6% mortality rate.
- Current management is primarily symptomatic and supportive, with no proven effective treatments identified to date.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, including diagnosis and management strategies.
- To discuss the pathophysiology of COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress.
- To explore currently investigated treatment approaches for COVID-19 in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing case series and reports on COVID-19 in cancer patients.
- Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on oncological diagnostic and therapeutic processes.
- Examination of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and its complications.
Main Results:
- Reports suggest patients with malignancy are more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection and mortality.
- Factors contributing to increased risk include immunosuppression, co-existing conditions, and pulmonary compromise, particularly in lung cancer.
- Patients with hematological cancers and those undergoing chemotherapy may be at the highest risk due to heightened immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 has significantly challenged healthcare systems and necessitated a reevaluation of cancer care protocols.
- Understanding the heightened vulnerability of cancer patients to COVID-19 is crucial for effective management.
- Further research into pathophysiology and treatment is essential to improve outcomes for cancer patients affected by COVID-19.
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