Two studies published yesterday in The Lancet indicate a high rate of mortality among COVID-19 patients who also have cancer.In one study, US researchers analyzed data on more than 900 COVID-19 and cancer patients from the United States, Canada, and Spain and found that 13% died.
In the other study, an analysis of 800 UK patients with COVID-19 and cancer found that 28% died.The studies also found that male patients with other COVID-19 mortality risk factors, such as older age and additional comorbidities, had an increased risk of death.
But cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, did not appear to have an effect on mortality in either study.The two studies are the largest to date to examine how cancer patients, who are often older,