Cancer patients and research during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of current evidence

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2020 Jun:150:102972. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102972. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-Cov-2 or COVID-19 has become a worldwide threat and the major healthcare concern of the year 2020. Cancer research was directly affected by the emerging of this disease. According to some Chinese studies, cancer patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. This observation led many oncologists to change their daily practice in cancer care, without solid evidence and recommendations. Moreover, the COVID-19 manifestations as well as its diagnosis are particular in this special population. In this review paper we expose the challenges of cancer management in the era of SARS-CoV-2, the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and radiological characteristics of the disease in cancer patients and its outcomes on this population. Finally, we focus on strategies that are followed in cancer management with review of national and international guidelines.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cancer patients; Oncology; Research; Systematic review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents