Author/s’ experience

Methodology

The approach is solid and thorough. It is vital to note that the authors went to great lengths to ensure comparisons of threats between novel coronavirus disease and SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Knowledge of COVID-19, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has the potential to inform and direct the attention of researchers in the future who serve those with these complex diseases such as cancer and CHD.

Research integrity

None

Conflicts of interest

None

Basis of the findings

This manuscript creates a "top of mind awareness" (if you will) for providers regarding the pathogenic possibilities of COVID-19 for those with cancer and CHD. This is important to ensure timely and appropriate care for these vulnerable populations. Although I fear the sources here are on the verge of being obsolete already, some of the findings are consistent with preliminary findings from the first large observational study from NYC as reported unofficially on LinkedIn (and as yet unpublished) by Daniel Goldstein, Professor and Vice Chairman Dept of Cardiothoracic Surgery Montefiore Health System (on 4/15/2020) that predictors of critical illness are indeed elevated inflammatory markers.