Impact of Covid-19 on Brazilian oncology patients: an analysis in Southeast Minas Gerais

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as oncology patients. Understanding the epidemiological and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in this group is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Our study analyzed its impact on Brazilian oncology patients.

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical outcomes of 125 oncology patients with COVID-19 treated at the Cancer Hospital from 2020 to 2022. Data on tumor types, mortality, and associated factors were collected and analyzed. The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on hospitalization and mortality among these patients was also assessed.

Results: The most common tumor types were breast cancer and cancers of the hematopoietic and reticuloendothelial systems. Mortality among oncology patients with COVID-19 was significantly higher compared to those who died from cancer-related causes, emphasizing the severity of the infection in Brazilian oncology patients. COVID-19 exhibited a higher lethality in cancers of unknown primary sites (metastatic cancer), bronchi and lungs, and bladder. Factors such as age, education level, and smoking history were significantly associated with mortality. A notable association was also found between COVID-19 vaccination and hospitalization among cancer patients. Vaccination not only reduced hospitalizations but also contributed to the survival of cancer patients.

Conclusion: These findings indicate the critical importance of vaccination in cancer patients to mitigate the adverse impacts of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.

Corresponding author: Sérgio Gomes da Silva (e-mail: sergio.silva@fcv.org.br).