20 Oct 2020

Cancer patients will be at a higher risk of death, should they contract COVID-19.

Briefing the media in Gaborone on Monday, Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) radiation oncologist, Dr Tlotlo Ralefala, said treatment administered on patients often suppressed their immunity. She also noted that the cancer itself also suppressed patient’s immunity.

“Some patients who have lung cancer have very slim chances of being able to fight and overcome the virus. This is evident from other countries that have experienced this before us and we have learnt quite a few things from them as to who is more at risk,” Dr Ralefala said.

As a result, she said her unit had to change treatment protocols to cater for each individual based on how their cancer behaved.

Dr Ralefala explained that if a patient had a rapidly growing lesion, chemotherapy would have to be administered at the hospital since it could not be deferred.

She, however, said if a patient had a low proliferating cancer, an injection or tablets would be administered and a patient would be sent home.

Dr Ralefalasaid the new arrangement had significantly helped in patient management.

She also said there were no fatality cases of cancer patients who were being treated at PMH and had contracted COVID-19. ENDS