1Cademy - COVID-19 Impact on Cancer Therapies

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COVID-19 Impact on Cancer Therapies

Many anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral therapies were used to somewhat treat the effects of COVID-19, which depleted said resources for cancer patients, making it more difficult for patients to receive adequate treatment
In order to mitigate a surge in cancer and COVID-19 comorbid cases, WHO implemented the following guidance
- Attenuate and prevent COVID-19 transmission in cancer patients
- Develop new antiviral and anticancer therapy protocols that can provide optimal care for all patients
- Develop fast-track solutions to promote effective multiple treatments
- Ensure cancer research and care continuity while battling COVID-19
It was identified that during cancer treatment, cancer patients administered immunosuppressants experienced much higher rates of COVID-19 as T cell response was depleted which is the primary method the body uses to fight a COVID-19 infection
Comorbid cancer patients saw positive outcomes when given provided with immunotherapy and endocrine therapy that sought to boost their immune systems
More widespread implementation of newer chemotherapeutics that improve the host immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy is recommended as it would allow for less immunosuppression and a lower chance of COVID-19 infection
Table 3 below has also been included as it goes over many of the specific recommendations this paper gives as to how cancer treatment may need to change for beyond the COVID-19 era