Sarcoma patients who develop COVID are experiencing a high level of complications. This is according to a presentation hosted at the 2021 annual meeting of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society.

Here, we will look at the latest study into COVID and sarcoma, and what it means for patients.

What the study revealed about COVID and sarcoma

The new study, carried out by the University of Washington, aimed to provide crucial insight into COVID outcomes in patients with sarcoma.

Data from 222 adults with sarcoma was taken from the Covid-19 and Cancer Consortium Registry. Around 48% of these patients were women and they entered the Cancer Consortium Registry from March 17th, 2020, to June 13th 2021. The most common types of sarcoma included in the study were bone, gastrointestinal stromal tumour, and soft tissue sarcoma.

Around 54% of patients had active cancer, with 19% experiencing lung metastases. It was revealed that under half of the patients had received targeted therapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy within 3 months of receiving a COVID diagnosis.

Follow-ups were typically provided at around 56 days, with 49% requiring hospitalisation. Out of those patients who were hospitalized, 32% needed oxygen, 12% had been admitted into the ICU, and 6% needed to be placed onto a ventilator. Sadly, 9% of patients died within 30 days of being hospitalized and 16% of patients died after 30 days.

The researchers concluded that patients with COVID and sarcoma have a high incidence of complications. However, it didn’t detect any significant differences between sarcoma subtypes. Further research is required to better understand how vaccination status, the Delta variant, and the risk of death from sarcoma play a role in the results.

COVID advice for sarcoma patients

Patients with sarcoma will understandably be concerned about the risks of developing COVID. There is a dedicated helpline set up to answer any questions you might have. The Sarcoma UK support line can be reached via 0808 801 0401.

If patients are undergoing chemotherapy and other immunosuppressant treatments, care must be taken to avoid picking up the virus. This includes:

• Avoiding crowded spaces
• Meet people outdoors where possible or in well-ventilated areas
• Ask family and friends to wear face coverings when visiting
• Practice good hygiene, washing your hands regularly

Patients are also advised to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Overall, COVID is causing sarcoma patients to experience more complications than those without the cancer. However, further research will need to be conducted to determine the long-term effects.

If you are concerned about sarcoma, call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.