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COVID-19

COVID-19 Infections in Cancer Patients: Higher Risk of Severe Consequences

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research suggests that patients with cancer or hematologic malignancies are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 consequences, particularly during the first year after diagnosis. Studies using nationwide electronic health records (EHR) databases demonstrated that patients with all cancers and hematologic malignancies had a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to those without malignancies. The risk of infection was also increased for patients 65 years and older, as well as among Black patients compared to white patients. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 reduced the risk of breakthrough infections but remained elevated for patients with hematologic malignancies or cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Patients with all cancers and hematologic malignancies have a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to those without malignancies.
  • The risk of infection is increased for patients 65 years and older, as well as among Black patients compared to white patients.
  • Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of breakthrough infections but remains elevated for patients with hematologic malignancies or cancer.
  • Patients with hematologic malignancies or cancer are at greatest risk for COVID-19 during the first year after diagnosis.
  • The risk of infection varies with specific types of malignancy.
  • Racial disparities were not observed among vaccinated patients with hematologic malignancies or cancer.
  • The studies provide the population basis to understand the significance of subsequent immunologic studies showing relative defective and delayed immuno-responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among patients with hematologic malignancies and cancers.
  • The research has significant implications for patient care and recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination and mitigation strategies.

Statistics:

  • 65% of patients with hematologic malignancies or cancer had a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to those without malignancies (Source: Sars-cov-2 Primary and Breakthrough Infections in Patients With Cancer: Implications for Patient Care)
  • 35.6% of patients 65 years and older had a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to younger patients (Source: Sars-cov-2 Primary and Breakthrough Infections in Patients With Cancer: Implications for Patient Care)
  • 73.4% of Black patients had a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to white patients (Source: Sars-cov-2 Primary and Breakthrough Infections in Patients With Cancer: Implications for Patient Care)
  • 19,523 patients with hematologic malignancies or cancer were included in the study (Source: Sars-cov-2 Primary and Breakthrough Infections in Patients With Cancer: Implications for Patient Care)

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Case Western Reserve University Provides New Data on COVID-19 (Sars-cov-2 Primary and Breakthrough Infections In Patients With Cancer: Implications for Patient Care). Cancer Vaccine Week. January 23, 2023; p 184.
  • Sars-cov-2 Primary and Breakthrough Infections In Patients With Cancer: Implications for Patient Care. Best Practice & Research Clinical Haematology, 2022;35(3).

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