COVID-19 in Immunosuppressed and Cancer Patients: A review

Abstract

The rapidly spreading outbreak of infection by novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from Wuhan, China around the world has started since December 2019. Since the epidemic spread of this infection, individuals with comorbidities are at high risk of severe disease and increased rate of mortality. As patients with cancer are considered immunosuppressed caused by some host and treatment factors, a more detailed investigation on the impact of cancer on COVID-19 outcome seems to be necessary. This review article provides data on cancer patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although underlying immunosuppression has not proven as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection, most authors have identified cancer patients as a highly vulnerable population. We need more detailed especially randomized studies to compare the outcome of cancer and non-cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The more precise studies would help oncologists to make the best decision in cancer therapy.