Dr Sophie Papa speaks to ecancer about a study examining the association between immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory drugs and COVID-19.

Dr Papa explains the background behind the study, which collated available information from the literature about the use of these drugs in previous coronavirus infections such as, SARS, MERS, as well as emerging data on COVID-19.

She states there is very little evidence at the moment that suggests the use of immunomodulatory drugs is associated with increased risk of harm in coronavirus infections, and could even be beneficial.

Dr Papa emphasises that further research about this novel infection is needed, and emerging data needs to be shared among the medical community - so that doctors can make the best treatment decisions amidst this global pandemic.

Read the study published in ecancermedicalscience here. 

Read the news article here. 

Other ecancer resources on COVID-19 can be found here.