COVID-19-related mortality in cancer patients in an Irish setting

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted significantly on healthcare across the globe. It has been reported to have higher incidence and be associated with worse outcomes in patients with cancer.

To examine the characteristics of patients with cancer who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and to identify factors which may predict a poorer outcome.

Patients attending oncology services in Beaumont Hospital who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and May 2020 were included. Demographics and outcomes were determined by chart review.

Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. The median age was 62; 59% were male. Ten patients (37%) died all of whom had metastatic or incurable locally advanced disease. Patients with lung cancer had a higher rate of COVID-19 and poorer outcomes. Those with a performance status (PS) ≥ 3 were more likely to die than those with PS ≤ 2. Compared to those who recovered, patients who died had a higher number of organs affected by cancer and a higher mean Palliative Prognostic Score.

Patients attending oncology services during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had an increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher mortality rate than the general population. Those who died had more advanced cancer as demonstrated by poorer performance status, a greater burden of metastatic disease and a higher Palliative Prognostic Score.