Iranian Journal of Virology

en Surviving the Double Threat: A Holistic Study on Clinical Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and Mortality among Patients with Cancer تخصصي Special پژوهشي Original article <div style="border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none; border-right:none; padding:1.0pt 0in 1.0pt 0in">Abstract Background and Aims: The appearance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gave rise to the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Cancer patients are at higher risk of severe outcomes and mortality rates due to compromised immune systems.This study aims to evaluate the clinical findings of cancer patients following infection with SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study enrolled a total of 158 individuals, all of whom had previously been diagnosed with various cancers and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with Real-time PCR. Demographic information of patients, characteristics of underlying diseases, type of cancer and clinical symptoms with geographical distribution of Iranian provinces by the Iran Viral Research Network were investigated. Results: Among 158 patients, 62.65% were male and 37.34% were female. The majority were over 60 years old (55.69%). Leukemia was the predominant cancer (37.34%), followed by genital cancers and breast cancer (each at 13.51%). Respiratory symptoms were prominent, with shortness of breath (59.49%) and dry cough (41.77%) being the most common. Other symptoms such as runny nose (6.32%), sore throat (6.96%), and lethargy (41.77%) were common. Digestive symptoms like anorexia (25.31%) and nausea (10.75%) were also observed in a significant percentage of patients. In total, nine (5.6%) patients passed away during the study. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides insights into the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients, revealing a higher susceptibility to severe outcomes due to compromised immune systems. The majority of patients exhibited respiratory symptoms, with leukemia being the most prevalent cancer type. These findings underscore the importance of tailored approaches in managing COVID-19 in cancer patients. As the pandemic continues, it is imperative to implement strategies that mitigate the risk and optimize care for this vulnerable population.</div> Cancer, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Pandemic, Clinical symptoms 34 41 http://journal.isv.org.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-355-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Mehdi Norouzi mnorouzi@tums.ac.ir 10031947532846007850 10031947532846007850 Yes Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Omid Salahi Ardekani omid.salahi23@gmail.com 10031947532846007851 10031947532846007851 No Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Reza Mohammadi mreza_mohammadi@modares.ac.ir 10031947532846007852 10031947532846007852 No Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Erfan Kordi erfan.kordi2004@gmail.com 10031947532846007853 10031947532846007853 No Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Roxana Tajdini roxanatajdini37@gmail.com 10031947532846007854 10031947532846007854 No Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Zahra Aboughadareh Nasab Aboughadarehza@gmail.com 10031947532846007855 10031947532846007855 No Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Parsa Ghafari parsaghf85@gmail.com 10031947532846007856 10031947532846007856 No Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD). Mahya Arabi arabiimahya@gmail.com 10031947532846007857 10031947532846007857 No Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Sina Khanbabazade Khanbabazadehsina@gmail.com 10031947532846007858 10031947532846007858 No Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran Mina Naderisemiromi minanaderi767@yahoo.com 10031947532846007859 10031947532846007859 No Department of Infectious Immunology, Manchester University, Manchester, UK.