COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate Increased for Cancer Patients

Case fatality rates were 37 and 25 percent for hematologic and solid malignancies, respectively
cancer patient
cancer patient

FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer patients have an increased case fatality rate from COVID-19, according to a study from a New York hospital system published online May 1 in Cancer Discovery.

Vikas Mehta, M.D., from the Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York, and colleagues identified 218 COVID-19-positive patients from March 18 to April 8, 2020, with a malignant diagnosis.

The researchers found that 28 percent of cancer patients died from COVID-19, with case fatality rates of 37 and 25 percent for hematologic and solid malignancies, respectively. Fifty-five percent of lung cancer patients died from COVID-19. In a multivariable analysis, increased mortality was significantly associated with older age, multiple comorbidities, the need for intensive care unit support, and elevated levels of D-dimers, lactic dehydrogenase, and lactate.

"Our data suggests significant risk posed to cancer patients infected with COVID-19, with an observed significant increase in mortality," the authors write. "Overall, we hope and expect that our data from the current epicenter of the COVID-19 epidemic will help inform other health care systems, cancer patients, and the public about the particular vulnerability of oncologic patients to this disease."

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com