Is Cancer significant Comorbid Condition in COVID 19 Infected Patients? -A Retrospective Analysis Experienced in a Tertiary Care Center in Eastern India

AbstractObjectivesPatients with a history of active malignancy were initially thought to be at a higher risk of having COVID-19, although available data are conflicting due to economic stress, malnutrition, fear of hospitalization or treatment discontinuation. A cohort-based study was undertaken in Indian regional cancer centre to understand cancer-covid link in patients.Study DesignA total of 1565 asymptomatic patients were admitted based on thermal screening and evaluation from the screening form. The COVID 19 has been checked by RT-PCR method and the COVID 19 positive patients were transferred to government allocated COVID 19 hospital. The COVID 19 negative patients were transferred to general ward for further cancer treatment.MethodPost COVID 19 testing, positive patients were transferred to COVID hospital and their outcomes were analyzed and correlated with patient’s age gender and cancer stages.ResultOut of 1565 patients, 54 patients (3.4%) tested positive. Most of the patients are in 45-59 years age group. As female patients admitted were more in number than males, so predominance of disease is higher in female. 3 patients were symptomatic after admission and 2 were severe and were admitted to the ICU with ventilations. 8 patients died in Cancer and one patient died in COVID 19.ConclusionsAs only 3.4% patients tested positive and only one patient out of 54 had died, so cancer is found not to be a comorbid condition towards COVID 19 patients in the Indian population studied.