Oncology Reviews (Feb 2021)

Management of COVID-19 in cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic anti-cancer therapy. Future recommendations for cardio-oncology

  • Hasan Kobat,
  • Islam Elkonaissi,
  • Mehmet Tevfik Dorak,
  • Shereen Nabhani-Gebara

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/oncol.2021.510
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1

Abstract

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Cardiotoxicity induced by anti-cancer treatment has become a significant threat as the number of cardiotoxic anti-cancer agents is growing. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of immune suppression caused by anti-cancer drugs and/or supportive treatment. Deterioration in lung functions due to COVID-19 is responsible for many cardiac events. The presence of COVID-19 and some of its treatment modalities may increase the chance of cardiotoxicity development in cancer patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic agents. This review provides evidence-based information on the cardiotoxicity risk in cancer patients clinically diagnosed with COVID-19 who are receiving potentially cardiotoxic anti-cancer agents. Proposed strategies relating to the management of this patient cohorts are also discussed.

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