COVID-19 and cancer: From basic mechanisms to vaccine development using nanotechnology

Abstract

Highlights Shows updated understanding of SARS-CoV-2, including the interaction between ACE 2 and the viral spike protein. More effective vaccines are required for immunocompromised cancer patients. Cancer alters the immune system through different levels of D-Dimer, albumin, prothrombin, and neutrophils. Nanomaterials assist vaccine delivery, including viral vector and mRNA vaccines with lipid nanoparticles.

Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms? Based on bioinformatics/network topology strategy

“…Tumor pathways, viral carcinogenesis, proteoglycans in cancer, small cell lung cancer and PI3K − Akt signaling pathways are all cancer-related and immune-related pathways. It is worth considering that active cancer can increase the susceptibility to the COVID-19, probably because of the systemic immunosuppressive status provoked directly by tumor growth and indirectly by anticancer treatment effect [ 26 ]. With the spread of the pandemic, the incidence rate of cancer patients has exhibited a larger number of severe disease cases.…”

New Challenges of Treatment for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era

“…Although the vaccines approved so far appear to be active on these SARS-CoV-2 mutations, the scientific community is on alert for the risk of a spike protein mutation that would make the vaccinated population vulnerable to a new pandemic wave. The need to stop the spread of possible new mutations in the virus makes it necessary to partially maintain the lockdown measures and especially to maintain the rules of individual protection and social distance, even in the context of a mass vaccination of the population [23][24][25][26][27][28].…”

Does COVID-19 Vaccination Warrant the Classical Principle “ofelein i mi vlaptin”?

“…Well-known mild side effects include local edema, redness, and pain at the site of injection as well as fatigue and transient [ 92 ]. However, there are also other potential adverse events such as allergic reactions [ 93 ], including the mentioned anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, that has been reported following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, i.e., receipt of the first dose of Pfizer–BioNTech anti-COVID-19 vaccine during December 2020 [ 11 ]. The CDC has issued updated interim considerations for organizing the potential management of anaphylaxis [ 93 ].…”

“…However, there are also other potential adverse events such as allergic reactions [ 93 ], including the mentioned anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, that has been reported following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, i.e., receipt of the first dose of Pfizer–BioNTech anti-COVID-19 vaccine during December 2020 [ 11 ]. The CDC has issued updated interim considerations for organizing the potential management of anaphylaxis [ 93 ]. Moreover, screening for contraindications and precautions prior to administering COVID-19 vaccines is required, while vaccine locations should have the required supplies available to treat anaphylaxis, should implement post-vaccination observation periods, and should immediately treat people presenting anaphylaxis signs and symptoms by intramuscular injection of epinephrine [ 93 ]; anaphylaxis can lead to death if not treated promptly [ 94 ].…”

“…The CDC has issued updated interim considerations for organizing the potential management of anaphylaxis [ 93 ]. Moreover, screening for contraindications and precautions prior to administering COVID-19 vaccines is required, while vaccine locations should have the required supplies available to treat anaphylaxis, should implement post-vaccination observation periods, and should immediately treat people presenting anaphylaxis signs and symptoms by intramuscular injection of epinephrine [ 93 ]; anaphylaxis can lead to death if not treated promptly [ 94 ]. Of note, CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have received notifications of supposed anaphylaxis cases via several channels, including direct outreach by health care providers and public health officials and reports to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), the national passive surveillance (spontaneous reporting) system for adverse incidents after immunization, that is jointly operated by CDC and FDA [ 95 ].…”