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

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, explores the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant on patients with cancer. Amid the dominance of the Omicron variant, typically regarded as causing milder illness, this research found contrasting outcomes for individuals with solid cancer and COVID-19.

Contrary to expectations, patients with solid cancer experienced higher mortality and hospitalization rates following COVID-19 infection when compared to those without solid cancer. Importantly, the study emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients significantly mitigated these risks. This study was conducted by Jonathan Ofer and colleagues.

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