LungNETs and COVID 19
LungNETs and COVID 19
As a Lung NET patient, am I at increased risk of contracting COVID-19? Maybe. A small study from China showed that patients with cancer were observed to have a higher incidence of COVID-19 compared to the general population (Lancet Oncology March 2020). It is not known if there were lung NET patients in this study but 28% had “lung cancer”. What also elevates the risk is any myelosuppressive treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy or PRRT. It is best to follow the CDC guidelines for prevention. These include hand washing often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth without clean hands. Social distancing is of utmost importance to avoid the spread of the virus. Stay home if you’re sick and call your physician. If you have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or bluish lips then seek medical attention immediately.
Am I at increased risk of having severe symptoms if I am exposed? Possibly. The same study from China indicated that patients with cancer were observed to have a higher risk of severe events compared to those patients without cancer. Additionally, the CDC has indicated patients at higher risk of developing severe symptoms are those over 65 and those with chronic underlying conditions. Since many Lung NET patients already have compromised pulmonary function (either from prior surgery or tumor burden) it is possible that symptoms would be worse than someone without decreased pulmonary function.
Is there anything I can do right now to minimize my risk? Follow the CDC guidelines. Don’t ignore your symptoms. Talk to your oncology team about timing for scans and follow up visits. Do “virtual visits” whenever possible to try to minimize exposure.
We’re all in this together and will get through this together!
Robert Ramirez,D.O., FACP, Oncologist, Ochsner Medical Center
