Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination and treatment pattern of prostate cancer: a comprehensive literature review, phase 2

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall screening, diagnostics, and treatment have faced a downtrend, especially during the first wave and lockdown. Statistics showed improvements starting from the late era of the pandemic and the end of 2020. To improvise, the risk of delayed curative treatment was measured and treatment plans were amended accordingly in order to lower the number of hospital visits needed while the results were still contradictory. The protective role of androgen deprivation therapy on COVID-19 triggered many debates, but the majority of clinical studies found no significant association. Concerns about a reduced immune response to vaccination in patients with prostate cancer occurred, but additional research is needed. The pandemic added additional burdens to patients with prostate cancer and different aspects of the quality of life of patients were assessed. While we anticipate that we are reaching the end of the pandemic, it is essential to re-examine how the pandemic has changed the overall care of patients with prostate cancer and how to proceed even further.