Challenges posed by COVID‐19 in cancer patients: A narrative review

Abstract

A novel coronavirus, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was identified as the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In early 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID‐19 the sixth public health emergency of international concern. The COVID‐19 pandemic has substantially affected many groups within the general population, but particularly those with extant clinical conditions, such as having or being treated for cancer. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID‐19 since the malignancy and chemotherapy may negatively affect the immune system, and their immunocompromised condition also increases the risk of infection. Substantial international efforts are currently underway to develop specific methods for diagnosing and treating COVID‐19. However, cancer patients’ risk profiles, management, and outcomes are not well understood. Thus, the main objective of this review is to discuss the relevant evidence to understand the prognosis of COVID‐19 infections in cancer patients more clearly, as well as helping to improve the clinical management of these patients.

Comorbidities and mortality rate in COVID‐19 patients with hematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“… 7 Moreover, anti‐cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunosuppressive drugs worsen the condition of these patients. 8 There are a limited number of studies on the prevalence of comorbidities and mortality rate in COVID‐19 patients with hematological malignancies. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we will comprehensively review the available published literatures reporting the COVID‐19 outcomes and underlying diseases in patients with hematological malignancies from around the world.…”

“…The immune system dysfunction is one of the main reasons that confirm patients with hematological malignancies are more vulnerable 7 . Moreover, anti‐cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunosuppressive drugs worsen the condition of these patients 8 . There are a limited number of studies on the prevalence of comorbidities and mortality rate in COVID‐19 patients with hematological malignancies.…”

COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Malignancy; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety

“…The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many cancer patients worldwide. Besides the impact on delivery of cancer care due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, studies have shown that these patients have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and exhibit poorer outcomes following COVID-19 treatments ( 1 – 3 ).…”

A Systematic Review Assessing the Underrepresentation of Cancer Patients in COVID-19 Trials

“…Those with hematological malignancies were at the highest risk of death. Patients receiving cancer-directed therapy within 3 months before hospitalization had no overall increased risk of death [7]. All these data are derived from observational cohort studies.…”