The prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in cancer patients. A cross-sectional study at a tertiary cancer center in New York City

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100346
• Publication Date: 2021-02-26T13:25:58Z
• Authors: Mudathir Ibrahim; Vijaya Natarajan; Pooja Murthy; Trishala Meghal; Yiquing Xu; Ory Wiesel
• Keywords: Adult; Male; SAR-Cov-2 nucleic acid testing; Article; Tertiary Care Centers; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Humans; Prospective Studies; Asymptomatic Infections; Pandemics; RC254-282; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; SARS-CoV-2; Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens; COVID-19; Cancer patients; Middle Aged; COVID-19 infection; Asymptomatic; 3. Good health; Cross-Sectional Studies; RNA, Viral; Female; New York City

Several factors raise concern for increased risk of COVID-19 in cancer patients. While there is strong support testing symptomatic The benefit routine asymptomatic patients remains contentious. We aim to evaluate the prevalence infection Between June 1 and September 3, 2020, we obtained nasopharyngeal swab from who were visiting a single tertiary-care center, tested specimen presence or absence SARS-CoV-2 RNA. performed descriptive statistic data total 80 patients, which 3 (3.75%) found positive COVID-19. A significant proportion on active immunosuppressive immunomodulatory treatment, cytotoxic chemotherapy (n = 34), immunotherapy 16). However, all three only actively hormonal therapy. All observed minimum 2 weeks home quarantine. None developed symptoms upon follow up no changes required their treatment plan. Despite published evidence that may be at severe COVID -19 infection, our suggest some infected are asymptomatic. overall this population was similar general population. Therefore, since infections not uncommon with cancer, recommend universal help guide decisions prevent spread disease.