The war against coronavirus disease 19 through the eyes of cancer physician: An Italian and Indian young medical oncologist's perspective

These are unprecedented times, we are living in with an outbreak of a novel coronavirus, also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (CoV-2), or CoV Disease 19 (COVID-19). By April 20th, as per the World Health Organization Data, COVID-19 as a pandemic has caused 2,407,414 cases, and 165,073 confirmed deaths in 213 different countries worldwide. Elderly patients and those with comorbid illnesses with COVID-19 infection have poor outcomes. Cancer patients are immunosuppressed, and at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and have worse outcomes as compared to the general population. The mortality rate of COVID-19 among oncology patients is about 20%.[1] Young oncologists are guided by the national and international cancer societies through guidelines that are adapted during this pandemic for the safety of patients and physicians.