SARS-CoV-2 Infection Aggravates Physical and Mental Health in Cancer Patients Compared to Co-Living Individuals.

INTRODUCTION

Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the psychological sequels of COVID-19 due to their immunocompromised state and the disruptions to their regular oncological care. There is limited research comparing the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on cancer patients and their co-living individuals. This study aims to explore the similarities and differences in physical and psychological outcomes between these two groups, with a 1-year follow-up to assess long-term effects.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted between January and February 2023. A total of 107 participants were included: 72 cancer patients and 35 co-living individuals, all diagnosed with COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Depression, anxiety, and fatigue were assessed at two timepoints: shortly after COVID-19 diagnosis and 1 year later.

RESULTS

Cancer patients exhibited higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea (20.83% vs. 5.71%, p = 0.045), which were associated with increased anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Advanced-stage cancer (p < 0.01) and lack of vaccination (p < 0.01) correlated with worse psychological outcomes. Female cancer patients reported higher depression scores (p < 0.05). Laboratory findings indicated higher neutrophil percentages (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (p < 0.001), and D-dimer levels (p = 0.015) in cancer patients, signaling a higher risk of inflammation and thrombosis. Both groups showed improvements in depression and fatigue over the 1-year follow-up, but cancer patients continued to report greater psychological distress (p < 0.001) and fatigue (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Cancer patients infected with COVID-19 experienced more severe physical and psychological symptoms compared to their co-living individuals, with persistent differences 1 year after infection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2300067577.