Clinical aspects of covid-19 in cancer patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has represent-ed a scientific and sanitary challenge in recent months. Subjects of advanced age appear to be the most frequently affected;in addition, these tend to present comorbidities such as hyperten-sion, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancer;worsening the prognosis and clinical course of the infection. The impact of the pandemic on oncologic patients has been massive. Observational studies have shown that infection rates tend to be much higher in cancer patients in comparison with the general population. Like-wise, oncologic patients have greater risk of de-veloping severe complications of COVID-19, including death. Moreover, cancer treatments im-plicate constant visits to healthcare institutions, significantly increasing the risk of viral transmission independently of the treatment received. Furthermore, various antineoplastic treatments have immunosuppressing effects, and treating oncologists face the uncertainty of suspend-ing or continuing treatment in patients at risk of COVID-19. The objective of this review is to ad-dress relevant clinical aspects of COVID-19 in patients with cancer, and revise current recommendations regarding therapeutic management in this context.

Implications of obesity in the course of covid-19

Overweight and obesity have been dominant components in the international epidemiological outlook in recent decades. Obesity is a widely recognized risk factor for the development of various chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among several others. Both indi-vidually and in synergy, these factors increase infection risk. In the context of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), obesity has been linked with higher risk for complications and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the association between COVID-19 and obesity have not been fully elucidated;however, chronic inflammation has been identified as a central element in this scenario. Patients with obesity tend to show nutritional patterns and polypharmacy, which may significantly modify the clinical course and management of COVID-19, especially in coexistence with other comorbidities. Various hypolipemic, antihyperglycemic, and antihypertensive drugs have awakened great controversy in this context, concerning the worsening or improvement of the clinical course of COVID-19. This article explores the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 and the repercussions in its clinical management.