Thrombosis, cancer, and COVID-19

Cancer and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have unusual similarities: they both result in a markedly elevated risk of thrombosis, exceptionally high D-dimer levels, and the failure of anticoagulation therapy in some cases. Cancer patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and have a higher mortality rate. Science has uncovered much about SARS-CoV-2, and made extraordinary and unprecedented progress on the development of various treatment strategies and COVID-19 vaccines. In this review, we discuss known data on cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 vaccines and discuss considerations for managing CAT in patients with COVID-19. Cancer patients should be given priority for COVID-19 vaccination; however, they may demonstrate a weaker immune response to COVID-19 vaccines than the general population. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an additional dose and booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine after the primary series in patients undergoing active cancer treatment for solid tumors or hematological cancers, recipients of stem cell transplant within the last 2 years, those taking immunosuppressive medications, and those undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune response. The mainstay of thrombosis treatment in patients with cancer and COVID-19 is anticoagulation therapy.