Immunotherapy in lung cancer in times of the COVID-19 pandemic Volume 4 - Issue 2

G V Schiappacasse Cocio*

• Chief Physician, Oncology Department, Clinical Hospital of Viña del Mar, Chile

Received: November 23, 2020   Published: December 07, 2020

Corresponding author: GV Schiappacasse Cocio, Chief Physician, Oncology Department, Clinical Hospital of Viña del Mar, Chile

DOI: 10.32474/OAJOM.2020.04.000182

 

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Abstract

The current pandemic due to COVID-19 has become a dilemma in decision-making in clinical oncology. On the one hand, the mortality associated with this viral infection is significantly higher in patients with cancer, especially in lung cancer. On the other hand, it is well-known that immunotherapy (PD-1 blockade) improves survival in advanced lung cancer. In the present view point, we aim to clarify the procedure to follow in the context of this pandemic. We conclude that immunotherapy does not increase the risk of serious events produced by COVID-19 in patients with lung cancer. Then, immunotherapy should not be delayed or stopped in patients with lung cancer in times of viral pandemic.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; PD-1 Blockade; Pandemic; COVID-19; Lung Cancer

Abstract| Introduction| Acknowledgements| References|