Patients who lived long with cancer at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection

Cancer patients diagnosed more than 24 months ago are more likely to have a severe COVID-19 infection, the study finds. Asian cancer patients, or those who had been on palliative treatment for cancer, were also at increased risk of death from COVID-19.

Research announced today Forefront of oncology Researchers at Kings College in London and Foundation Trust in Guys and St. Thomas investigated the relationship between cancer and COVID-19 with the support of NIHR Guys and BRC in St. Thomas.

Limited studies have investigated cancer patients and COVID-19, but the small sample size does not distinguish the effects of age, cancer, and other comorbidities on COVID-19 in the cancer population .. It can be difficult to diagnose COVID-19 in cancer patients because the symptoms are similar to those of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment. This can delay or miss COVID-19 diagnoses and can lead to severe infections and increased mortality.

The study analyzed the outcomes of 156 cancer patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between February 29 and May 12, 2020. Eighty-two percent of patients had a mild or moderate COVID-19 infection and 18% developed at the Guy’s Cancer Center in Guy’s Cancer Centre, St. Thomas, London. Advanced statistical techniques were used to identify demographic and/or clinical characteristics associated with COVID-19 severity or mortality.

A follow-up of patients after 37 days found that 22% of patients in the cohort died of COVID-19 infection. Patients diagnosed with Asian ethnicity, palliative therapy, or cancer more than 24 months before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms were at increased risk of death. Patients with dyspnea (shortness of breath) or high CRP levels (a common blood marker of inflammation) were also at increased risk of death from COVID-19.

Severe COVID-19 infections were associated with fever, dyspnea, gastrointestinal symptoms, or presentation of a diagnosis of cancer more than 24 months ago.

Most patients in the cohort were men with a low socioeconomic background. Half were white, 22% were black and 4% were Asian. Hypertension was the most commonly reported comorbidity, followed by diabetes, renal impairment, and cardiovascular disease.

The most common tumor types were urology/gynecology (29%), hematology (18%), and breast (15%). When classified according to the severity of COVID-19, the highest proportion of cancers is hematological (36%), 40% of patients with stage IV cancer, and 46% of patients with malignancies in the last 12 months. Was diagnosed. Benign pulmonary status was more commonly reported by people with severe COVID-19.

Dr. Mieke Van Hemelrijck of King’s College in London said: Let us know about the treatment of this outbreak of tumors and the potential for future pandemics. Our findings provide the first insight into the possible impact of cancer and its treatment on COVID-19 outcomes. “

Dr Saoirse Dolly, consultant medical oncologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’and King’s College Hospital, said: %) were positive for COVID-19 infection, 18% had severe infections, and 34 patients died sadly (22%). Age, gender, ethnicity, or cancer treatment was not associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection. Follow up, Asian ethnicity, undergoing palliative treatment, or cancer There was a positive association with COVID-19-related deaths for over two years.

“This real-world observation provides us with valuable insights Cancer patient During the COVID pandemic. To provide clearer guidance on the management of patients with tumors due to the occurrence of COVID-19, patient follow-up should be extended and data validated in a larger series. ”