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

Authors :
Juan Luis Chávez-Pacheco
Manuel Castillejos-López
Laura M. Hernández-Regino
Liliana Velasco-Hidalgo
Marta Zapata-Tarres
Valeria Correa-Carranza
Guillermo Rosario-Méndez
Rehotbevely Barrientos-Ríos
Arnoldo Aquino-Gálvez
Luz María Torres-Espíndola
Source :
Viruses, Vol 16, Iss 5, p 690 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19994915
Volume :
16
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Viruses
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.12535313e9df48d5a9be29d3adc4688b
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050690