Astrid A. M. van der Veldt, Sjoukje F. Oosting, Anne-Marie C. Dingemans, Rudolf S. N. Fehrmann, Corine Geurts van Kessel, Mathilde Jalving, Guus F. Rimmelzwaan, Pia Kvistborg, Christian U. Blank, Egbert F. Smit, Valery E. E. P. Lemmens, T. Jeroen N. Hiltermann, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Anke L. W. Huckriede, Nynke Y. Rots, Cecile A. C. M. van Els, Debbie van Baarle, John B. A. G. Haanen & Elisabeth G. E. de Vries.
To the Editor — It is becoming increasingly clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a considerable impact on patients with cancer. First, the scaled-down capacity to deliver cancer care, the unavoidable but non–evidence-based adjustments to oncological treatment at the start of this pandemic, lockdowns, and fear of visiting hospitals have resulted in suboptimal cancer care. Second, patients with cancer, especially those with hematological malignancies, lung cancer, and active malignancies, are at risk of a fatal outcome of COVID-191,2. Third, active treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapies appears to be associated with a further increase in the risk of a fatal outcome of COVID-191,2. As a result, many patients with cancer strictly adhere to self-isolation, which may lead to additional mental-health problems and further loss of quality of life.
