Challenges in Treating Pediatric Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Balancing Risks and Care

Viruses. 2024 Apr 26;16(5):690. doi: 10.3390/v16050690.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of fatalities worldwide. The case of pediatric cancer patients stands out since, despite being considered a population at risk, few studies have been carried out concerning symptom detection or the description of the mechanisms capable of modifying the course of the COVID-19 disease, such as the interaction and response between the virus and the treatment given to cancer patients. By synthesizing existing studies, this paper aims to expose the treatment challenges for pediatric patients with COVID-19 in an oncology context. Additionally, this updated review includes studies that utilized the antiviral agents Remdesivir and PaxlovidTM in pediatric cancer patients. There is no specific treatment designed exclusively for pediatric cancer patients dealing with COVID-19, and it is advisable to avoid self-medication to prevent potential side effects. Managing COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients is indeed a substantial challenge. New strategies, such as chemotherapy application rooms, have been implemented for children with cancer who were positive for COVID-19 but asymptomatic since the risk of disease progression is greater than the risk of complications from SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pediatric cancer; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Monophosphate / analogs & derivatives
  • Adenosine Monophosphate / therapeutic use
  • Alanine* / analogs & derivatives
  • Alanine* / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2* / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Alanine
  • remdesivir
  • Adenosine Monophosphate

Grants and funding

This paper was supported by program E022 of the National Institute of Pediatrics.