Cancer patients also diagnosed with COVID-19 are much more likely to die compared to the general public, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
For this group of patients, the 30-day mortality rate was 13% in the study. However, cancer treatments weren’t likely to have that much of an impact on mortality, compared to other factors like age, gender, smoking status, heart health and more.
Cancer patients with COVID-19 had a higher risk of death whether or not their cancer was active, if they are on anticancer treatment, or both, according to the study. This finding has some implications for elective procedures, which were temporarily halted during the pandemic in the U.S.
“Overall, the rate of complications was high,” wrote first author Nicole Kuderer, MD, of the Advanced Cancer Research Group in Kirkland, Washington, et al.
Researchers analyzed 1,035 records with completed baseline forms, including more than 900 patients in the study.
Certain subgroups of cancer patients were also at high risk than others. For instance, ECOG performance status of 2 or higher and active cancer was associated with a high risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19.
Older people fared the worse in the study, with 25% of people 65 and older dying compared to 6% of cancer patients under 65. Those taking hydroxychloroquine, sometimes alongside azithromycin, also had worse outcomes.
Researchers did note more followup is needed to further understand the risks to cancer patients. However, the findings do underscore that certain precautions should be taken, including reducing exposure to cancer patients and healthcare systems, reconsideration of treatments and procedures in patients with cancer, and testing for COVID-19.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."