COVID-19 Impact on Pediatric Oncology Patients
Summary
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has posed a multifaceted challenge to children undergoing cancer treatment. While most paediatric oncology patients experience mild or asymptomatic COVID-19, the underlying immunocompromised state can elevate the risk of complications. Interruptions to chemotherapy, delays in diagnosis and resource constraints have been widely reported, with potential long-term consequences for survival and relapse rates. Vaccination strategies have been adapted to maximise seroconversion without compromising ongoing antineoplastic therapies. Globally, disparities in health-care infrastructure have magnified the impact in low- and middle-income settings, where supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages have exacerbated treatment interruptions. The balance between infection control and continuity of cancer care remains a central concern, guiding the development of tailored protocols for testing, isolation and supportive therapies. Emerging evidence on antiviral agents and immunomodulators offers opportunities to refine management, but rigorous evaluation in the paediatric oncology context is still underway. Overall, integration of pandemic preparedness into oncology services is essential to safeguard both immediate and long-term outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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COVID-19 Impact on Pediatric Oncology Patients publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in covid-19 impact on pediatric oncology patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Immunocompromised: A state in which the immune system’s capacity to mount an effective response against pathogens is reduced.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): A procedure to restore bone marrow function by infusing healthy blood-forming stem cells after intensive therapy.
Chemotherapy: The use of cytotoxic drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells, often affecting healthy tissue and immune function.
Seroconversion: The development of detectable specific antibodies in the blood following infection or vaccination.
Viral neutralisation assay: A laboratory test that measures the ability of antibodies to inhibit virus infectivity in cell culture.
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): Nations with lower economic development and health-care resources, often facing greater challenges during health crises.
High-income countries (HICs): Nations with advanced economies and more robust health-care infrastructure, generally experiencing fewer disruptions to oncology services.
References
- Immune Response following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination in Pediatric Cancer Patients. Cancers (2023).
- Challenges in Treating Pediatric Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Balancing Risks and Care. Viruses (2024).
- Severity of COVID-19 in children with cancer: Report from the United Kingdom Paediatric Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project. British Journal of Cancer (2020).
- COVID-19 in Immunosuppressed Children. Frontiers in Pediatrics (2021).
- COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients is associated with treatment interruptions but not with short-term mortality: a Polish national study. Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2021).
- COVID-19 cohort on children with cancer: delay in treatment and increased frequency of deaths. Revista Brasileira de Saúde Materno Infantil (2021).
- The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Childhood Cancer Outcomes and Care Delivery - A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Oncology (2022).
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