Abstract
IntroductionPandemic COVID-19 is an unexpected challenge for the oncological community, indicating potential detrimental effects on cancer patients. Our aim was to summarize the converging key points providing a general guidance in order to support decision making, pertaining to the oncologic care in the middle of a global outbreak.MethodsWe did an international online search in twenty five countries that have managed a surge in cancer patient numbers. We collected the recommendations from thirty one medical oncology societies.ResultsBy synthesizing guidelines for a) oncology service delivery adjustments, b) general and specific treatment adaptations, and c) discrepancies from guidelines comparison, we present a clinical synopsis with the forty more crucial statements. A Covid-19 risk stratification base was also created in order to obtain a quick, objective patient assessment and a risk-benefit evaluation on a case-by-case basis.ConclusionsIn an attempt to face these complex needs and due to limited understanding of COVID-19, a variability of recommendations based on general epidemiological and infectious disease principles rather than definite cancer-related evidence has evolved. Additionally, the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine requires the development of cancer management guidance, capitalizing on comprehensive COVID-19 oncology experience globally.
Highlights
Pandemic COVID-19 is an unexpected challenge for the oncological community, indicating potential detrimental effects on cancer patients
Most societies agree on minimization of: hospital visits, unavoidable visits duration and waiting areas overcrowding
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adaptation of new clinical strategies aiming at physical contacts minimization and adoption of tele-practising models
Summary
Pandemic COVID-19 is an unexpected challenge for the oncological community, indicating potential detrimental effects on cancer patients. The rapid international spread of COVID-19,-linked to the severe adult respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2- along with the proliferation of severe morbidity cases, often leading to death, has placed extreme pressure on health care systems, necessitating global coordination and collaboration between governments, healthcare professionals and organizations. Cancer alone was associated with a potential intensive care unit admission and death risk (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.8–16.2) [1]. This led to a rapid evolution of patients’ and clinicians’ guidance from national and international oncology societies [3]. The scientific evidence was- and is stillmissing though, and in many cases, this guidance was based on extrapolation of information from previous pandemics, regional guidance and logical judgements [4, 5]
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