Impact of the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 on the Care and Outcomes of Patients with Cancer: A Cohort Study

As of March 21, 2020, more than 25,000 confirmed cases in the United States and more than 300 deaths caused by novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19. Cancer patients represent a vulnerable population for COVID-19 due to immunosuppression, frequent exposure to health care facilities and disruption of routine cancer care. Early data indicate a higher complication and mortality rate in COVID-19 positive cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients. Amit Kulkarni, MD, a clinical fellow in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplant, is leading a cohort study to define the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of cancer care and outcomes to inform future care and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. This is a part of a larger multi-institutional collaborative effort called COIVD-19 Cancer Consortium. The goals of the study are to: Establish a large retrospective/prospective cohort of patients with cancer in the context of the COVID19 pandemic Perform several analyses of the collected data to: Describe patterns of care and care disruption Describe the impact of COVID19 on the cancer clinical research and trials enterprise Describe the management and outcomes of patients with cancer in the COVID19