The systemic pro-inflammatory response: targeting the dangerous liaison between COVID-19 and cancer
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Inflammation is an established driver of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and a mechanism linked to the increased susceptibility to fatal COVID-19 demonstrated by patients with cancer. As patients with cancer exhibit a higher level of inflammation compared to the general patient population, patients with cancer and COVID-19 may uniquely benefit from strategies targeted at overcoming the unrestrained pro-inflammatory response. Targeted and non-targeted anti-inflammatory therapies may prevent end-organ damage in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with cancer and decrease mortality. Here, we review the clinical role of selective inhibition of pro-inflammatory interleukins, tyrosine kinase modulation, anti-TNF agents, and other non-targeted approaches including corticosteroids in their roles as disease-modulating agents in patients with COVID-19 and cancer. Investigation of these therapeutics in this highly vulnerable patient group is posited to facilitate the development of tailored therapeutics for this patient population, aiding the transition of systemic inflammation from a prognostic domain to a source of therapeutic targets.
Date Issued
2021-06-01
Date Acceptance
2021-03-31
Citation
ESMO Open, 2021, 6 (3)
ISSN
2059-7029
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
ESMO Open
Volume
6
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf ofEuropean Society for Medical Oncology. This is an open access article under theCC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Sponsor
Wellcome Trust
Grant Number
204834/Z/16/Z
Subjects
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
cancer
immune modulation
inflammation
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 100123
Date Publish Online
2021-04-08