COVID-19 for Oncologists
Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on cancer patients, with several challenges specific to rural patients. A comprehensive study provided unique insights into the first 6 months of COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences and continuity of care among rural and urban cancer patients predominantly from Utah. Further research is needed to better characterize the pandemic's short- and long-term effects on rural and urban cancer patients and appropriate interventions 1).
Handling the COVID-19 pandemic in the oncological setting. 2).
Kamal et al. conducted a meta-analysis to address the outcomes in cancer patients after oncologic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary endpoint was the COVID-19-related mortality rate. Higher body mass index was significantly and negatively associated with higher all-cause mortality and in-hospital COVID-19 infection rates. Male sex, preoperative respiratory disease, and smoking history were positively and significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality rates. Furthermore, male sex was positively and significantly associated with the COVID-19 infection rate 3).
Neuro-oncology Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic With a Focus on WHO Grade III and IV Gliomas.
Because of the increased risk in cancer patients of developing complications caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), physicians have to balance the competing risks of the negative impact of the pandemic and the primary tumor. In this consensus statement, an international group of experts present mitigation strategies and treatment guidelines for patients suffering from high-grade gliomas (HGG) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
16 international experts in the treatment of HGG contributed to this consensus-based practice recommendation including neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation -oncologists, and a medical physicist. Generally, the treatment of neuro-oncological patients cannot be significantly delayed, and initiating therapy should not be outweighed by COVID-19. We present detailed interdisciplinary treatment strategies for molecular subgroups in two pandemic scenarios, a scale-up phase, and a crisis phase.
This practice recommendation presents a pragmatic framework and consensus-based mitigation strategies for the treatment of HGG patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic 4).