Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Cancer Patients

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become the most talked-about clinical entity in early 2020. As an infection that spreads easily and has a significant mortality rate, it has caused global panic rarely seen before. Many of the measures taken by governments worldwide will have longlasting impacts on the wellbeing of the population at large. It has been widely reported that the most vulnerable patients have been most negatively affected by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). In this study, we have tried to search the currently available data on the outcomes of infected cancer patients. Most of the data points to the very challenging nature of treating such patients. Their overall outcomes seem to be worse than in the general population, and it may be difficult to differentiate which potential complications are a result of the primary oncologic disease versus the infection. Management presents its own set of challenges, including but not limited to, deciding whether postponing cancer treatment until the infection resolves is going to benefit the patient and how to organize all aspects of patient care when social contact is as limited as it is for patients newly diagnosed with COVID-19. We believe that as more data becomes available, it is going to be necessary to publish detailed guidelines on how to approach this unique clinical challenge.

Cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic: Choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea

“…In fact, cancer patients are prone to engender psychiatric diseases such as anxiety and depression. Adding to this, lockdown and isolation imposed by the emerging of COVID-19 have created a sense of collective hysteria, and delaying treatment could be an important factor of increased stress ( Cancarevic et al, 2020 ). In other words, constant fear and uncertainty caused by the pandemic could harm cancer patients’ quality of life ( Chakraborty and Pandey, 2020 ), and this was illustrated by more than one survey in cancer population.…”

The psychological impact of COVID19 on a shielding high-risk cohort

“…With sudden, unexpected, change in guidance comes concern over the psychological impact that the current COVID19 pandemic will have on these high-risk patient groups, where an increased risk of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is already well documented. 7 , 8 Previous viral outbreaks, such as from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), have reported that the psychological impact of quarantine (i.e. an imposed quarantine when a person has the virus) can vary from short-term effects such as irritability, fear, confusion, anxiety and depression, to extremes of consequence, including PTSD and suicide.…”

COVID symptoms, testing, shielding impact on patient reported outcomes and early vaccine responses in individuals with multiple myeloma

“…Both loneliness and social distancing also increases risk of mortality in cancer patients, while feelings of uncertainty increased emotional distress 12,13 . Multiple sources have suggested the need for more frequent contact, via telephone or video consultation, with healthcare professionals to increase social support 14,15 . Issues regarding trust, isolation and worries about abandonment should also be proactively addressed 16 .…”