Epidemiological study of cancer and Covid-19 in a densely populated suburban area

Abstract

Diverse studies and data reports from 2020 showed that cancerpatients were more prone to die by COVID-19, in special those undergoing hematologic malignancies and lung cancer. Information onhow different cancer treatments influences the COVID-19 conditionstill remains unclear presenting some controversies. As pandemicdrove the agenda of the Universidad Nacional de Hurlingham (UNAHUR) to set up a diagnostic center for SARS-CoV-2 detection byRT-qPCR that analyzes hundreds of samples from nearby municipalities on a daily basis, we proposed to carry out a retrospectivecohort study to elucidate relations and influences between cancer,cancer treatments, and COVID-19. Furthermore, we proposed tostandardize the RT-qPCR technique to quantify the viral load of thepatients to also relate it with the presence of the oncological disease.Eligible patients are those with a measurable oncologic diseasewhose samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at our diagnostic center. Data are systematized to carry out the analysis,anonymizing the patients, and including the severity of COVID-19disease, type of cancer, and oncologic treatments, among others. Allprocedures were approved by both the ethical committees of UNAHUR and of Buenos Aires Province.Absolute viral load was quantified by constructing a plasmid with asequence from the E viral gene —the viral target for PCR— to obtaina calibration curve from serial dilutions.Therefore, we are analyzing possible relations between SARSCoV-2 infection and clinical features of oncologic patients. We willpresent the preliminary results of the data analysis as well as sharing our research experience within the pandemic context.