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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy in the COVID-19 Era

Michele Maio1,2, Omid Hamid3, James Larkin4

  • 1Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy. mmaiocro@gmail.com.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|June 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may be a safe cancer treatment option during COVID-19. Further research is needed to understand the immune intersection between cancer therapy and COVID-19 disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • COVID-19 disease presents complex challenges for cancer patients undergoing therapy.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) possess significant immunomodulatory effects, potentially impacting COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Understanding the interplay between cancer treatment and viral infections is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide guidance for clinicians treating cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify key areas for future clinical and preclinical research regarding ICI and COVID-19.
  • To evaluate the suitability of ICI as a therapeutic option in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing evidence on ICI, cancer, and COVID-19.
  • Analysis of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of ICI.
  • Synthesis of clinical observations and scientific data.

Main Results:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy appears to be a viable option for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, with careful consideration.
  • The intersection of COVID-19 and cancer therapy highlights significant gaps in current scientific understanding.
  • Physicians can consider ICI, but with necessary caution, based on available evidence.

Conclusions:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can likely be continued for cancer patients during COVID-19.
  • Further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the complex immune interactions.
  • Clinical guidance is proposed to support treatment decisions in this patient population.

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