The findings of this study of patients with active cancer suggest that recent systemic anticancer treatments (SACTs) is not associated with inferior outcomes from COVID-19 infection.

This has relevance for the care of patients with cancer requiring treatment, particularly in countries experiencing an increase in COVID-19 case numbers.

Important differences in outcomes among patients with hematological and lung cancers were observed.

Overall, 2,515 of 2,786 patients registered during the study period were included; 1,464 (58%) were men; and the median (IQR) age was 72 (62-80) years.

The mortality rate was 38% (966 patients).

The data suggest an association between higher mortality in patients with hematological malignant neoplasms irrespective of recent SACT, particularly in those with acute leukemias or myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloma or plasmacytoma.

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