Abstract 1772P
Background
On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. Caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this infection may remain asymptomatic. The European Society of Medical Oncology and the Portuguese Health Authority recommended both a symptomatic survey and laboratory testing in all cancer patients (pts) undergoing immunosuppressive treatment (IT). The impact of this measure is still unknown. We report our experience in a Portuguese center.
Methods
Since March 2020, a symptomatic survey has been performed at our institution before each hospital visit. From April 6 through May 8, 2020, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 testing was added on cancer pts before undergoing IT. The impact of this intervention was evaluated comparing the hospitalization rate of cancer pts due to COVID-19, before and after the introduction of RT-PCR testing. Retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed.
Results
444 tests were carried out on 244 pts and laboratory SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 11 (5%); 5 were male, with a median age of 65 years [34-76]. Breast and colorectal cancer were prevalent; 2 pts had lung cancer; 6 advanced disease. Ongoing IT in these pts was temporarily suspended: 9 pts under chemotherapy, 1 atezolizumab and 1 rituximab. Only 1 patient was symptomatic (9%) and previously hospitalized. No admission due to COVID-19 was registered in this group. Since March 7, 179 pts were admitted due to COVID-19 at our center: 12 were active cancer pts (6.7%) of which 4 were under IT. 6 of the oncological pts passed away, all of them had advanced diseases, 1 was under IT. Of the dead pts, lung and breast tumors were prevalent. Among all COVID-19 hospitalizations, the prevalence of pts under IT was similar before and after the implementation of the RT-PCR testing (2.2% vs. 2.4%).
Conclusions
We found a significant percentage of active cancer pts diagnosed with asymptomatic COVID-19. Due to the small sample size of COVID-19 pts under IT, it is difficult to evaluate the impact of RT-PCR testing. However, on a long-term analysis, this intervention may reduce the risk of severe complications related to COVID-19 in cancer pts. Health education and dynamic organization are also important measures.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.