Lung cancer and COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Patients with cancer are more susceptible to an infection during the viral epidemic owing to their immunocompromised status. Furthermore, mortality was found to be higher in patients diagnosed with cancer infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a problem managing a process including diagnosis, staging, and treatment for patients with lung cancer. The clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and lung cancer patients are easy to be confused, which will bring great difficulties to the differential diagnosis. Management of patients with cancer at home should be encouraged. This includes telemedicine and phone calls to replace safety visits, as well as replacement of intravenous drugs with oral drugs where possible, along with substructure and coordination to allow home administration of intravenous and subcutaneous anticancer agents. By giving priority to the centers designated as corona-free, the consultation among physicians should be carried out online, and the diagnosis and treatment process of the patients should be continued in a way to minimize the risk of virus transmission. Patients should be evaluated during coronavirus pandemic for antitumor treatment with considering clinical status, stage of cancer, and status of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.