COVID-19: Consequences for Children With Cancer in Turkey and Globally

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The current outbreak of COVID-19 that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO).1 The first case in Turkey was diagnosed on that same day. In mid-May, 2020, Turkey was among the 10 countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases.2 As of April 16, 2021, there are a total of 138 688 383 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2 978 935 deaths reported to WHO globally.1 In Turkey, 4 086 957 cases of COVID-19, and 35 031 deaths have been reported.2 Adults with cancer are reported to have a higher risk for COVID-19, and more severe disease and mortality than the general population3 . In the USA, 26% of patients with cancer who contracted the disease have died from the virus, while 1.8% of the population with COVID-19 have died.4 Although children with COVID-19 are reported to have milder disease and good prognosis as compared with adults, immunosuppressive diseases including cancer, immunosuppressive medications, and stem cell transplantation (SCT) have effects on humoral, cell-mediated immunity and neutrophil function, increasing the risk of severe infections and complications caused by viral agents.5 This manuscript reviews several themes, including the current situation among children with cancer in Turkey and globally, consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic such as the interruption in several health services and the significant slowdown of many others, and reduced funding for research in cancer.