Frequently asked questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients—recommendations for clinicians caring for patients with malignant diseases

Abstract

Since early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a massive impact on health care systems worldwide. Patients with malignant diseases are assumed to be at increased risk for a worse outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and therefore, guidance regarding prevention and management of the infection as well as safe administration of cancer-therapy is required. Here, we provide recommendations for the management of patients with malignant disease in the times of COVID-19. These recommendations were prepared by an international panel of experts and then consented by the EHA Scientific Working Group on Infection in Hematology. The primary aim is to enable clinicians to provide optimal cancer care as safely as possible, since the most important protection for patients with malignant disease is the best-possible control of the underlying disease.

Management of primary cutaneous lymphoma patients during COVID‐19 pandemic: EORTC CLTF guidelines

“…PCL patients with controlled underlying disease have fewer infections than untreated patients; therefore, patients with active malignant disease should be treated accordingly and timely to prevent a worsening in outcome. As with haematology patients, 4 uncontrolled malignant disease should be avoided and life-threatening malignancy needs treatment, especially if there is relevant curative potential. This includes systemic therapy or radiation.…”

“…All symptomatic family members or those at high risk of early infection with SARS-CoV-2 should stay away from patients with active malignant disease or currently on treatment regardless of risk of corona. 4 The use of protective masks is what now seems to be considered a very critical issue in order to reduce the rate of infection. Particular care should be given to >70 years and contact with children must be avoided.…”

“…4 Patients should be advised regarding the importance of good general health to stop smoking, reduce weight loss if obese, exercise, ensure a sufficient supply of vitamins like vitamin C and D, and the treatment of any iron-deficiency. 4 In conclusion, the majority of patients with PCLs have an indolent course and should continue on treatment, avoid hospital visits and be assessed by teledermatology. CTCL diagnosis does not represent a predisposing factor to viral infections and most of CTCL patients have an indolent disease.…”

“…No funding sources used for this work. E. Papadavid, 1, * J. Scaribrick, 2 P. Ortiz Romero, 3 P. Guaglino, 4 M. Vermeer, 5 R. Knobler, 6 R. Stadler, 7 M. Bagot 8…”

“…1,2,3 Moreover, PCL patients with aggressive biologic behaviour should be carefully monitored according to guidelines for patients with neoplastic disease. 4,5 The basic effort is to really protect patients from getting the virus according to CDC guidelines and on the suggestions made by haematology and oncology groups. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel betacoronavirus first identified in China in winter 2019 as the cause of severe respiratory tract infection and behaves like a new member of the community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs).…”