Review article

https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2022_271157

The use of immunotherapy in cancer patient with COVID-19 - threat or protection

Damir Vučinić orcid.org/0000-0002-5804-0799 ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinika za radioterapiju i onkologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Jasna Marušić ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinika za radioterapiju i onkologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Blaženka Grahovac ; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Mirna Šitum ; Klinički bolnički centar Sestre milosrdnice, Klinika za kožne i spolne bolesti, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Gordana Zamolo ; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Zavod za opću patologiju i patološku anatomiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinički zavod za patologiju i citologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska

Abstract

With regard to systemic oncological treatments, correlation of the use of immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors with the risk of more severe COVID-19 infection is uncertain. However, benefits of immunotherapy in the disease caused by the new coronavirus completely suppressed the initial fear of expected negative impacts of immune system triggered by checkpoint inhibitors. By preventing CD8 + lymphocyte exhaustion, reducing interleukin-6 levels, and indirectly regulating neutrophils and NK cells, immunotherapy affects the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The current findings highlight immunotherapy as a safe option of cancer treatment at the time of COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

COVID-19; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy; interleukin-6; SARS-CoV-2

Hrčak ID:

271157

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/271157

Publication date:

1.3.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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