Outcome of older cancer patients infected with COVID-19 at Gustave Roussy Cancer Center

ABSTRACT

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak significantly affected Gustave Roussy cancer center. Here, we report the Gustave Roussy experience on older patients (OP) with cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Methods: Cancer pts with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted at Gustave Roussy starting March, 12th. Screening indications have been adapted over time. All the COVID-19 pts positively tested and managed at Gustave Roussy between March 14th and April 15th have been included in a redcap database. Pts and underlying oncological and COVID-19 diseases characteristics have been collected. Cancer and COVID-19 managements, and outcomes have been assessed. The primary endpoint of this analysis was the clinical deterioration, defined as the need for O2 supplementation of 6l/min or more, or death of any cause. Results: Among the first 137 cancer pts diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, 36 patients were aged 70 years old or over (26%). Most of them were female (61%) with a median age of 75.5 years old. Most frequent underlying cancers were solid tumors (92%) including GI (19%), lung (17%), GYN (14%) and head and neck (14%). Most OP (36%) were ECOG Performans status 2 versus 24% in younger patients (YP). The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was made by RT-PCR or thoracic CT scan alone in 97% and 3% of the cases, respectively in OP and in 92% and 8% in YP. Most OP experienced symptoms prior to testing (92%) compared to YP (80%). Symptoms differed according to age with more cough with sputum production in OP (14% versus 5%), dyspnea (39% versus 31%), diarrhea (17% versus 9%), shivers (8% versus 0%), sore throat (8% versus 4%) and no anosmia nor agueusia. The majority of OP was hospitalized (81%) compared to 72% of YP and treated with HCQ/AZI (15;52%) compared to 25 (35%) YP with inclusion in the ONCOVID trial (EudraCT 2020-01250-21). They did not receive any IL-6 inhibitor. Only one OP was admitted in the ICU (3%). Clinical deterioration occurred in 10 OP (29%). There was no impact of age on clinical worsening (HR=1.157;95%CI 0.55-2.42;p=0.7). However age was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR=2.45 95%CI 1.02-5.92;p=0.0463). Results will be updated at the meeting. Conclusions: OP with cancer had a different disease presentation, same rate of clinical worsening but worse OS in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.