Doctors share advice for cancer patients, caregivers amid spike in new COVID-19 cases

August 11, 2021
Covid cells
Craig Lockhart, M.D., associate director of clinical science at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, recommends cancer patients and caregivers get the COVID-19 vaccine. Adobe Stock Art

With COVID-19 variants spreading quickly around the country, health experts urge cancer patients and their families to exert more caution to deal with the rising numbers. The delta variant is now the predominant strain, causing a 145% jump in new coronavirus cases in the Tri-county area.

“Our biggest concern with the delta variant is how rapidly it transmits,” said Michael Sweat, Ph.D., leader of MUSC COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project, which provides ongoing analysis of trends in the COVID-19 epidemic. “Prior to this strain, about two to three people would become infected by each person who had the virus. The delta variant is about double that.”

Despite breakthrough cases in some vaccinated individuals, Sweat said that existing COVID-19 vaccinations remain effective at limiting the severity of illness and preventing hospitalization and death.

Sweat also explained that the spike in new cases is particularly concerning for cancer patients, who are likely immunocompromised due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “That means if they get COVID-19, their immune systems may not be up to par in combating it. Secondly, if they get vaccinated, their immune responses and production of antibodies may not be adequate in fully protecting them from infection.”

Dr. Michael Sweat 
Michael Sweat, Ph.D.

On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration authorized two extra doses of COVID-19 vaccines for some people with a weakened immune system. The announcement will impact around 7 million people, or 2.7% of U.S. adults, who are immunocompromised, according to CDC data. Details about who will qualify for the extra vaccine doses will likely be hashed out in the coming days.

Craig Lockhart, M.D., associate director of clinical science at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, recommends cancer patients and caregivers get the COVID-19 vaccine. There have been no unexpected complications with vaccines among cancer patients, he added. He agreed with Sweat that vaccines provide much-needed protection to patients who are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19.

“I got my COVID-19 vaccine the first day it was available in Florida,” Lockhart said. “Is there any stronger endorsement for the vaccine than someone who reads and understands the science who was that eager to get the vaccine? I know the science, and I believe in the science.”

“There is an increased risk of death from COVID-19 for patients with cancer,” Lockhart said. “It varies depending on the kind of cancer they have. Patients with hematological forms of cancer and lung cancer are more likely to have more serious cases of COVID-19 than patients who have other cancers.”

Lockhart explained that chemotherapy reduces cell counts, including the cells that play a role in immune response. Despite the recent spike in cases, patients are safe coming in for their cancer treatments and potentially lifesaving screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.

"I got my COVID-19 vaccine the first day it was available in Florida. Is there any stronger endorsement for the vaccine than someone who reads and understands the science who was that eager to get the vaccine? I know the science, and I believe in the science."
— Dr. Craig Lockhart

“The difference between now and last year is that we have a much better handle on how to keep ourselves safe,” he said. “There’s no longer a shortage in PPE equipment. Employees in a medical facility like MUSC Hollings have been vaccinated.”

Dr. Craig Lockhart 
Craig Lockhart, M.D.

Cancer patients are also at an increased risk of catching COVID-19 while traveling. Sweat said that there are things cancer patients can do to protect themselves more fully from the delta variant and future variants of COVID-19, including getting an antibody test. “This is important because if you know you don’t have adequate antibodies, you know you should take extra precautions and further limit your risk of exposure.”

Cancer patients and their caregivers should use extra caution when planning trips over the coming months. When it comes to selecting travel destinations, Sweat said to use these guidelines:

  • The number of cases per day per 100,000 people should be below 5.
  • The percentage of positive tests should be below 5%.
  • Look for areas with high vaccination rates.

“To put that in comparison, the Tri-county region has around 65 cases being reported for every 100,000 people. Nationally that number is around 35 cases per every 100,000 people” he said. “The percent positive has been hovering around 17%.” He added that most of the new cases in South Carolina are affecting people between the ages of 20 and 30.

Sweat also said wearing face masks correctly is key to reducing risk of infection. He recommends N95 models and surgical masks. “Surgical masks are extremely effective because the material actually has an electrical charge that helps to trap particles from entering the mouth or nose.”

If people would do their parts, he said, this latest wave will begin to subside, and things can return to a more normal state.

“A lot of transmissions can be reduced by behavior,” he said. “Getting the vaccine, wearing a mask and not gathering in large groups is key. Everyone plays a role. We will get through this.”