Abstract 68: Preparing for the Next Pandemic: An Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) Initiative

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The COVID-pandemic has shown significant impact on cancer care from early detection, management plan to clinical outcomes of cancer patients. The devastating effects of COVID-19 seen worldwide have underscored the need for better preparation of the next pandemic. Methods: Based on the experiences and lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) has put together the 9 “Ps” as guidelines for cancer programs to better prepare for the next pandemic. Results: The 9 “Ps” are Priority, Protocols and Processes, Patients, People, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), Pharmaceuticals, Places, Preparedness, and Politics. Priority: to maintain cancer care as a key priority in the health system response even during a global infectious disease pandemic. Protocols and processes: to develop a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and have relevant expertise to man the Disease Outbreak Response (DORS) Taskforce before an outbreak. Patients: to prioritize patient safety in the event of an outbreak and the need to reschedule cancer management plan, supported by tele-consultation and use of artificial intelligence technology. People: to have business continuity planning to support surge capacity. PPEs and Pharmaceuticals: to develop plan for stockpiles management, build local manufacturing capacity and disseminate information on proper use and reduce wastage. Places: to design and build cancer care facilities to cater for the need of triaging, infection control, isolation and segregation. Preparedness: to invest early on manpower building and technology innovations through multisectoral and international collaborations. Politics: to ensure leadership which bring trust, cohesion and solidarity for successful response to pandemic and mitigate negative impact on the healthcare system. Conclusion: It is important to evaluate the lessons learnt, leverage on the silver linings arising from the crisis and re-examine our strategies, processes, and guidelines on cancer control from research and evidence related to the impact of COVID-19 on cancer prevention and control as well as the escalation in healthcare cost from delayed diagnosis of cancer and late stage cancer treatments are also urgently needed. This “9 Ps” guide put together by ANCCA aims to serve as a summary guide or reminders for cancer centres or programme to better prepare for the next pandemic. Citation Format: Sok King Ong, Laureline Gatellier, Tomohiro Matsuda. Preparing for the Next Pandemic: An Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) Initiative [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 68.