ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) belongs to the same coronavirus group (Beta-coronavirus) as SARS and MERS viruses that caused two of the more severe epidemics in recent years. Horseshoe bats (genus Rhinolophus) have been identified as the natural reservoirs of SARS-related coronaviruses (CoVs) and the likely origin of SARS-CoV-2. The intermediate host is thought to be the pangolin. The purpose of this review is to draw attention to the relationship between COVID-19 and different malignancies, and to discuss the similarities in their pathogenesis, and the possible repurposing of cancer drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Along with antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs, several anti-cancer drugs can be potentially repurposed in the management of COVID-19. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 and cancer shares certain similarities, including inflammation, immunological dysregulation, and coagulopathy. Blood parameters in COVID-19 patients upon admission show lymphocytopenia, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and D-dimer levels in most of the patients. Currently, RT-PCR is the gold-standard laboratory test for COVID-19 confirmation in suspected cases.

IMPACT STATEMENT
This review wants to address some aspects of COVID-19, such as environment, pathophysiology, laboratory findings, diagnosis, therapeutic and preventive treatment, role of different animals in transmission, with particular attention to cancer.