Incidence and Durability of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Patients with Cancer and Health Care Workers following the First Wave of the Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer and health care workers (HCW) are at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are limited data regarding the rate of symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection and subsequent seropositivity in both populations. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of patients and HCW across two institutions during the first wave of the pandemic to analyze the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the extent of associated symptoms, and durability of serologic response. RESULTS: In 1,953 persons (733 patients and 1,220 HCW), overall seropositivity rates for 3.1% patients (95% CI 2.0-4.7) and 3.7% HCW (95% CI 2.7-4.9, p=0.520), were similar. Each institutions' seropositivity rates were numerically higher in HCW than patients. Non-Hispanic Whites and Asians had lower antibody rates (2.8%, 95% CI 2.0-3.8 and 3.3%, 95% CI 1.2-7.0) compared to Hispanics (6.9%, 95% CI 3.4-12.4) and non-Hispanic Blacks (5.9%, 95% CI 3.3-9.7), p < 0.001. Among persons with a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody, 87% of patients and 56% of HCW did not recall having had a fever. Among HCW, administrative and technical personnel were most likely to be seropositive. The rate of persistent seropositivity at 3 months was similar between patients and HCW and was not influenced by the reporting of fever, cancer type, or therapy. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patients are not at higher risk for febrile SARS-CoV-2 infections or more transient immunity than HCWs. Furthermore, racial differences and lack of association with the extent of HCW contact with COVID-19 patients suggest that community rather than hospital virus exposure was a source of many infections.

Implementation of Remote Supportive Care Programs to Women at Risk for and Surviving with Breast and Ovarian Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic created significant challenges in providing screening, treatment, and support services to women at risk for and living with breast and ovarian cancer. These individuals have unique socio-emotional needs (eg, stress, fear of recurrence, caregiving, employment, financial hardship) that preceded the pandemic and intensified during COVID-19. Sharsheret, a national nonprofit organization helping Jewish women with breast and ovarian cancer, provides informative and supportive programming to address these needs. In response to the pandemic, the organization implemented a range of programs specifically designed for this population during a time of crisis. Objectives: To describe the psychosocial care needs of women impacted by breast and ovarian cancer, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implementation of resources to meet these needs. Methods: Outcome data from 345 respondents were collected in early 2021, including data from a special COVID-19 impact survey evaluating remote programs offered during the pandemic. Results: Among respondents, 19% were most concerned about financial hardship during the pandemic due to loss of/changes in employment, insurance, or other income;16% also expressed concern about obtaining care and support. Respondents expressed high satisfaction with the programs and services offered, as 64% highly valued online educational webinars, and 51% valued experiential workshops and essential connections with Sharsheret's clinical staff. The implementation of such programs supported women in maintaining their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being in the midst of a global pandemic. Conclusion: Success of these remote care services offered during COVID-19 highlights the necessity of implementing opportunities for continued psychosocial programming. Insights gleaned from this evaluation serve to inform on how to best educate and counsel women at risk for and surviving with breast and ovarian cancer during times of crisis.