May 30, 2020 12:17PM Lumpie wrote:
Patient Age, Use of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Linked to COVID-19 SeverityA study by researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center estimated that 40% of the 423 patients with cancer who were symptomatic for SARS-CoV-2 were hospitalized for COVID-19.1 Looking at these patients, the researchers identified several characteristics that conferred risk.
A multivariable analysis showed that patients 65 years or older and those who had been treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) within 90 days of admittance had a higher likelihood for hospitalization and severe disease. ***In contrast, receipt of chemotherapy within 30 days and prior major surgery did not increase the risk of developing the virus.*** {emphasis added}
These data were published online on medRxiv.org. The data were not peer-reviewed, and the results of the study should be considered preliminary.
"Until more extensive studies are available, it is prudent not to alter treatment decisions, but consider SARS-CoV-2 testing for patients initiating or continuing treatment with ICIs irrespective of symptoms."
Robilotti EV, Babady NE, Mead PA, et al. Determinants of severity in cancer patients with COVID-19 illness [preprint published online May 8, 2020]. medRxiv. doi: 10.1101/2020.05.04.20086322