Evidence-based management of COVID-19 in cancer patients: Guideline by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giesen, Nicola; Sprute, Rosanne; Rüthrich, Maria; Khodamoradi, Yascha; Mellinghoff, Sibylle C.; Beutel, Gernot; Lueck, Catherina; Koldehoff, Michael; Hentrich, Marcus; Sandherr, Michael; von Bergwelt-Baildon, Michael; Wolf, Hans-Heinrich; Hirsch, Hans H.; Wörmann, Bernhard; Cornely, Oliver A.; Köhler, Philipp; Schalk, Enrico; von Lilienfeld-Toal, Marie
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer. Volume 140(2020)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Coronavirus -- Cancer -- Haematological malignancy -- Guideline; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Cancer; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.09.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8049

Abstract

Abstract: Since its first detection in China in late 2019 the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated infectious disease COVID-19 continue to have a major impact on global healthcare and clinical practice. Cancer patients, in particular those with haematological malignancies, seem to be at an increased risk for a severe course of infection. Deliberations to avoid or defer potentially immunosuppressive therapies in these patients need to be balanced against the overarching goal of providing optimal antineoplastic treatment. This poses a unique challenge to treating physicians. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding prevention, diagnostics and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 as well as strategies towards safe antineoplastic care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) by critically reviewing the currently available data on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in cancer patients applying evidence-based medicine criteria. Highlights: Cancer patients are vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and severe COVID-19. Comprehensive management strategies are required in care for cancer patients. Evidence-based recommendations help clinicians make informed treatment decisions. Providing state-of-the-art cancer care is possible during COVID-19 pandemic.