COVID-19 and cancer: A comparative case series

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cancer patients represent a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic due to immunocompromise.
• Over 18 million new cancer cases annually underscore the potential scale of this intersection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the outcomes and mortality risk factors for cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
• To identify specific clinical and treatment-related factors associated with increased mortality in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of solid cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Data collected from hospitalized patients between February 20 and April 20, 2020.
• COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests and/or chest CT scan findings.

Main Results:

• Higher mortality observed in COVID-19 infected cancer patients compared to the general population.
• Stage IV cancer patients had significantly higher mortality (81.3%) compared to earlier stages.
• Patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy within 14 days of COVID-19 diagnosis experienced higher rates of sepsis, invasive ventilation, and mortality.

Conclusions:

• Mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19 is elevated and significantly correlated with disease stage and activity.
• Recent cytotoxic chemotherapy is a critical factor associated with adverse outcomes.
• Findings emphasize the heightened vulnerability of cancer patients and the need for targeted interventions.