Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resulting from severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appears to affect
children less severely than adults with majority of benign forms and
asymptomatic cases[1]. High mortality rate have been recently
reported in adult patients with cancer[2, 3]. Data is still limited
in children with cancer while some reports suggested that they may be
quite safe regarding the infection[4–6]. Although recommendations
were initially made by the major child cancer organizations, new
challenges have emerged[7, 8]. A better description of the disease
and its associated clinical and logistical challenges is available. As a
result, pediatric oncology departments around the world can develop
appropriate strategies[9].
To characterize clinical presentation and outcomes of children,
adolescent and young adults with cancer and infected by SARS-CoV-2, the
French society of pediatric oncology (Société Française de lutte
contre les Cancers et leucémies de l’Enfant et de l’adolescent - SFCE)
initiated a study (PEDONCOVID) to retrospectively and prospectively
collect data regarding COVID-19 in this specific population. France has
been so far one of the most affected countries with currently a total of
188.450 cases and 28.943 deaths[10]. We describe here the detailed
data of 37 patients enrolled in French pediatric oncology centers from
the SFCE.