COVID-19-related mortality in cancer patients in an Irish setting

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted significantly on healthcare across the globe. It has been reported to have higher incidence and be associated with worse outcomes in patients with cancer.

Aim: To examine the characteristics of patients with cancer who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and to identify factors which may predict a poorer outcome.

Methods: Patients attending oncology services in Beaumont Hospital who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and May 2020 were included. Demographics and outcomes were determined by chart review.

Results: Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. The median age was 62; 59% were male. Ten patients (37%) died all of whom had metastatic or incurable locally advanced disease. Patients with lung cancer had a higher rate of COVID-19 and poorer outcomes. Those with a performance status (PS) ≥ 3 were more likely to die than those with PS ≤ 2. Compared to those who recovered, patients who died had a higher number of organs affected by cancer and a higher mean Palliative Prognostic Score.

Conclusion: Patients attending oncology services during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had an increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher mortality rate than the general population. Those who died had more advanced cancer as demonstrated by poorer performance status, a greater burden of metastatic disease and a higher Palliative Prognostic Score.