Exposure of solid cancer patients to omicron variant of COVID-19 tied to higher mortality and hospitalization

To assess the mortality and hospitalization risks among patients with cancer infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The study, conducted during the Omicron-dominant period, focuses on patients with solid cancer and their vulnerability to severe outcomes after contracting COVID-19. It highlights a significant disparity in mortality and hospitalization risks between cancer patients and those without cancer during this period.

The study encompassed patients with solid cancer and COVID-19, indicating a higher likelihood of mortality and hospitalization in this cohort compared to individuals without solid cancer who contracted COVID-19 during the Omicron surge. The findings underscore the critical importance of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with cancer, substantially reducing the risks of severe outcomes following infection with the Omicron variant.

This study unveils a concerning trend in patients with solid cancer facing increased mortality and hospitalization risks in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Notably, COVID-19 vaccination emerges as a crucial protective measure for this vulnerable population. The research underscores the imperative for enhanced vigilance and vaccination strategies to safeguard individuals with cancer, especially amid the prevalence of milder SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Reference:

Ofer, J., Drozdinsky, G., Basharim, B., Turjeman, A., Eliakim-Raz, N., & Stemmer, S. M. Mortality and hospitalization risks in patients with cancer and the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. JAMA Oncology,2023. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.5042