SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Prevalence and characteristics of cancer patients with COVID- 19: a meta-analysis study [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review] Johan S. Sitanggang 1 , Kamal B. Siregar 2 , Henry H. Sitanggang 3 , Noverita Sprinse Vinolina 4 1 Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia 2 Department of Surgery, Oncology Subdivision, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia 3 Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Oncology Subdivision, Faculty of Medicine, Deli Serdang Hospital, Deli Serdang, Indonesia 4 Statistics Division, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia First published: 27 Sep 2021, 10:975 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.53539.1 Latest published: 27 Sep 2021, 10:975 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.53539.1 v1 Abstract Background: Cancer patients are considered susceptible to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to an immunosuppressive state. This study determined the prevalence of cancer in COVID-19 patients, severe events, case fatality rate, history of anticancer therapy associated with severe events, and type of cancer in cancer patients with COVID-19 in the world. Methods: This study used a meta-analysis study approach, sourcing studies from various countries related to cancer and COVID-19. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to select studies. A PRISMA flowchart was presented to assess the selection process. Data from inclusion studies were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. Results: The prevalence of cancer in COVID-19 patients was 4.63% (95% CI, 3.78-5.49%) worldwide. The lowest prevalence was the Asian study group with 2.36% (95% CI, 1.86-2.87%) and the highest prevalence was the European study group with 10.93% (95% CI, 6.62- 15.24%). About 43.26% (95% CI, 34.71-51.80%) of cancer patients with COVID-19 experienced severe events of COVID-19. In total, 58.13% (95% CI, 42.79-73.48%) of cancer patients with COVID-19 who in the last month had a history of anticancer therapy experienced severe events. The prevalence of lung cancer in cancer patients with COVID- 19 was 20.23% (95% CI, 7.67-32.78%). Forest plots are also presented related to the results of meta-analysis research. Conclusions: High prevalence of cancer among COVID-19 patients indicates the susceptibility of cancer patients to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cancer in COVID-19 patients and use of anticancer therapy increase severe events of COVID-19. Open Peer Review Reviewer Status AWAITING PEER REVIEW Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. Page 1 of 15 F1000Research 2021, 10:975 Last updated: 27 SEP 2021