Addition of IV iron to darbepoetin alpha Q3W in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia was well tolerated, resulting in an improved hematopoietic response rate and lower incidence of transfusions compared with darbepoetin alpha alone.

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Highlights Cancer patients with COVID-19 have a higher morbidity and mortality. Particularly patients with ongoing or recent cancer treatment, metastatic solid tumors and hematological malignancies are at risk. Underlying immunosuppression, elevated cytokine levels, altered expression of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2) and TMPRSS2, and a prothrombotic status in cancer patients may fuel the effects of a SARS-CoV-2 sepsis. The gene expression level of ACE2 may be an indicator of the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, while TMPRSS2 plays a supporting role. Better knowledge of the mechanisms involved may be a tool to identify high risk patients and to prevent severe complications by targeting the involved pathways.