International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 207-212
Single Center Experience on Screening Oncology Patients for Covid-19 Before Anti-Cancer Treatment

Esat NAMAL1, Nur DINC1, Sezer SAGLAM1, Ali Vefa OZTURK2, Safiye Koculu DEMIR3, Asiye YIR3, Esin CEVIK3, Soheyl SABET4, Bedriye Koyuncu SOKMEN4, Nagihan Inan GURCAN4, Yaman TOKAT5, Cavlan CIFTCI6

1Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Istanbul, TURKEY
2Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary Disease, Istanbul, TURKEY
3Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, Istanbul, TURKEY
4Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Istanbul, TURKEY
5Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Liver Transplantation, Istanbul, TURKEY
6Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Istanbul, TURKEY

Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Chemotherapy, Oncology
The most important factor in the transmission of the COVID-19 is asymptomatic carriers. We’ve tested all oncology patients , that receive anti-cancer therapy, for COVID-19. We aimed to determine the rate of asymptomatic carriers, and analyze the clinical and radiological findings of infected patients. Oncology patients who have indications of receiving anti-cancer treatment in the hospital were tested for COVID-19, two day prior to their treatment even if they were asymptomatic by collecting nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens for RT-PCR for viral RNA detection. Positive patients, underwent inspiratory phase of chest computed tomography examination. Infected patients were given the recommended treatment for COVID-19. PCR test was positive in 28 of 312 patients that we tested, and the positivity rate was 8.9%. Three patients (10.7%) had symptoms, 25 patients (89.3%) had no symptoms. Covid-19 testing before anti-cancer treatment may be recommended in order to continue their treatment without any problems and to prevent the risk of transmission due to the high rate of asymptomatics in infected patients.