COVID-19: the use of immunotherapy in metastatic lung cancer

The emergence of the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome ([SARS]-CoV-2 or COVID-19) pandemic poses significant challenges for the treatment of all cancer patients, but in particular lung cancer patients where an increase in mortality has already been reported (7,8). Specifically, there was no increased incidence of hepatitis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis nor increased risk of immune reconstitution in patients with HIV infection receiving treatment with immunotherapy (14,15). While PD-1 therapy was not in use during recent viral outbreaks, we can look at their impact on lung cancer patients to gain insight into the specific challenges that COVID-19 will bring. With concerns about recent treatment for cancer increasing the risk of serious events with COVID-19, keeping the duration of treatment to an appropriate time would be important. [...]it may be reasonable to discuss stopping treatments in patients who have achieved a complete response or prolonged response for more than 2years during this COVID-19 pandemic.