COVID-19 and Cancer: a Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 has emerged to be the biggest global health threat worldwide, which has now infected over 1.7 million people and claimed more than 100,000 lives around the world. Under these unprecedented circumstances, there are no well-established guidelines for cancer patients. Recent Findings The risk for serious disease and death in COVID-19 cases increases with advancing age and presence of comorbid health conditions. Since the emergence of the first case in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, tremendous research efforts have been underway to understand the mechanisms of infectivity and transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a fatal virus responsible for abysmal survival outcomes. To minimize the mortality rate, it becomes prudent to identify symptoms promptly and employ treatments appropriately. Even though no cure has been established, multiple clinical trials are underway to determine the most optimal strategy. Managing cancer patients under these circumstances is rather challenging, given their vulnerable status and the aggressive nature of their underlying disease. Summary In this comprehensive review, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on health and the immune system of those affected, reviewing the latest treatment approaches and ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, we discuss challenges faced while treating cancer patients and propose potential approaches to manage this vulnerable population during this pandemic.

Clinical outcomes and risk factors for severe COVID‐19 in patients with haematological disorders receiving chemo‐ or immunotherapy

“…Preliminary reports suggest that patients with an underlying malignancy have inferior outcomes. [3][4][5][6][7] While haematology patients are thought to be at increased risk of developing severe complications both due to immune dysfunction from their underlying haematological disorder and immunosuppressive therapies used for treatment, [8][9][10] delays in treatment of the underling malignancy may compromise patient safety and survival. Data from other cohorts worldwide suggest mortality from COVID-19 is higher in haematology patients compared to the general population, 3,11,12 with reported mortality rates between 39% and 50% in other British haematology patient cohorts.…”

Withaferin A: a potential therapeutic agent against COVID-19 infection

“…It has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 has a ten times higher a nity to ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV, which is consistent with the higher e ciency of infection of SARS-CoV-2 [11]. While no cure has currently been found, several clinical trials are being performed to determine what the most e cacious treatment regimen is for COVID-19, with an extensive list of potential therapies detailed in a review by Gosain et al [12]. Currently, patient management involves supportive treatment and measures to prevent further spread of the virus [13].…”

Prevalence of depression during the SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 pandemics

“…COVID-19 marks the emergence of the third large-scale epidemic related to the coronavirus, after SARS-CoV in 2002 and Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV) in 2012. [ 6 ] World Health Organization (WHO) declared the epidemic as a high-risk Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). [ 7 , 8 ] Severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to heart, and respiratory failure, acute respiratory syndrome, or even death.…”