Viruses (Apr 2024)

Challenges in Treating Pediatric Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Balancing Risks and Care

  • Juan Luis Chávez-Pacheco,
  • Manuel Castillejos-López,
  • Laura M. Hernández-Regino,
  • Liliana Velasco-Hidalgo,
  • Marta Zapata-Tarres,
  • Valeria Correa-Carranza,
  • Guillermo Rosario-Méndez,
  • Rehotbevely Barrientos-Ríos,
  • Arnoldo Aquino-Gálvez,
  • Luz María Torres-Espíndola

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050690
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 5
p. 690

Abstract

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The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of fatalities worldwide. The case of pediatric cancer patients stands out since, despite being considered a population at risk, few studies have been carried out concerning symptom detection or the description of the mechanisms capable of modifying the course of the COVID-19 disease, such as the interaction and response between the virus and the treatment given to cancer patients. By synthesizing existing studies, this paper aims to expose the treatment challenges for pediatric patients with COVID-19 in an oncology context. Additionally, this updated review includes studies that utilized the antiviral agents Remdesivir and PaxlovidTM in pediatric cancer patients. There is no specific treatment designed exclusively for pediatric cancer patients dealing with COVID-19, and it is advisable to avoid self-medication to prevent potential side effects. Managing COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients is indeed a substantial challenge. New strategies, such as chemotherapy application rooms, have been implemented for children with cancer who were positive for COVID-19 but asymptomatic since the risk of disease progression is greater than the risk of complications from SARS-CoV-2.

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