Ohio State University, Columbus

- 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


COVID-19 Impact on Cancer Therapies

Thorat N, Pricl S, Parchur AK et al. Safeguarding COVID-19 and cancer management: drug design and therapeutic approach [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. Open Research Europe 2021, 1:77 (https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.13841.1)

URL: https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/1-77

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