How to manage Covid-19 and cancer care

Timely diagnosis and effective treatment and medication can go a long way in helping cancer patients with Covid-19 recover

- Anisha Sahijwala

The Covid-19 virus has impacted the lives of people-across the globe, especially those with comorbidities. And while vaccination is mitigating the spread and impact of the virus, it does cause considerable damage in people with comorbidities if it’s not detected in time and treated correctly.

Dr Jaya Motiwala, a consultant physician, shares, “Patients with cancer are more likely to contract the virus and, in such cases, the chances of Covid-19 progressing to a serious stage are high. Apart from masking and staying isolated, if you test positive for Covid19, the first thing that one must do is to speak to their oncologist. Their treatment needs to begin immediately.”

DO ANTIBODIES HELP?

Doctors suggest that patients who test positive for Covid-19 may consider receiving anti-Covid-19 monoclonal antibodies as a part of their treatment or as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). “They say that precaution is always better than cure. So, the first thing we advise our patients is to get vaccinated. If you’re eligible for a booster shot, take it. In the event that you test positive for the virus, or are exposed to it, speak to your doctor immediately. A required dose of monoclonal antibodies taken under the guidance and approval of your doctor can help control the spread of the virus in your body, avoiding serious complications,” says Dr SR Dhar, a consultant oncologist.