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Mc Brearty C, Bisaillon L, Dorval M, Nabi H, Desbiens C, Lemieux J, Théberge V, Baghdadli A, Lauzier S, Savard J. Disruptions in Cancer Care Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Women with Breast Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:801-817. [PMID: 38392053 PMCID: PMC10887748 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31020059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated if fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) levels and the proportion of women having a clinical level of FCR differed by whether women had or had not experienced disruptions in their cancer tests and treatments due to the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study between November 2020 and March 2021 among women diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous five years at the time of their entry in the study. Women completed a questionnaire online assessing disruptions in breast cancer tests and treatments due to the pandemic and the severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with a subsample of 24 participants and were thematically analyzed. RESULTS The proportion of patients with a clinical level of FCR was significantly higher among those who experienced the postponement or cancellation of diagnostic and disease progression tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging; adjusted PR = 1.27 95% CI = 1.13-1.43). Qualitative findings suggest that FCR was exacerbated by the pandemic context. In particular, perceived or actual barriers to care access due to the pandemic were identified as significant FCR-enhancing factors. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the need to keep diagnostic and progression tests as timely as possible to prevent increases in FCR levels and offer counselling about FCR when postponing or cancellation are inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mc Brearty
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.M.B.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; (M.D.); (H.N.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Laurie Bisaillon
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.M.B.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; (M.D.); (H.N.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Michel Dorval
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; (M.D.); (H.N.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- CISSS de Chaudière—Appalaches Research Center, Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1, Canada
| | - Hermann Nabi
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; (M.D.); (H.N.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Christine Desbiens
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
- Centre des Maladies du Sein, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Julie Lemieux
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
- Centre des Maladies du Sein, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Valérie Théberge
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
- Centre des Maladies du Sein, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Amel Baghdadli
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Sophie Lauzier
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; (M.D.); (H.N.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Josée Savard
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.M.B.); (L.B.); (J.S.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada; (M.D.); (H.N.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (C.D.); (J.L.); (V.T.); (A.B.)
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Attieh S, Loiselle CG. Cancer Care Team Functioning during COVID-19: A Narrative Literature Review and Synthesis. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:335-349. [PMID: 38248107 PMCID: PMC10814830 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Amid pandemics, health care teams face unprecedented challenges, requiring significant efforts to sustain optimal functioning and navigate rapid practice changes. It is therefore crucial to identify factors affecting team functioning in these contexts. The present narrative review more specifically summarizes the literature on key elements of cancer teams' functioning during COVID-19. The search strategy involved four main databases (i.e., Medline OVID, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL), as well as Google Scholar, from January 2000 to September 2022. Twenty-three publications were found to be relevant. Each was read thoroughly, and its content summarized. Across publications, three key themes emerged: (1) swiftly adopting virtual technology for communication and interprofessional collaboration, (2) promoting team resilience, and (3) encouraging self-care and optimizing team support. Our findings underscore key team functioning elements to address in future pandemics. More research is needed to document the perspectives of broader-based team members (such as patients and lay carers) to inform more comprehensive evidence-based team functioning guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Attieh
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Carmen G. Loiselle
- Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2M7, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
- Segal Cancer Center, CIUSSS Centre-Ouest, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
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Zeghondy J, Rassy E, Lapidari P, Eid R, Pistilli B. Telehealth in breast cancer following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:1249-1259. [PMID: 38213534 PMCID: PMC10776597 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most diagnosed cancer in 2018 with around 2.3 million cases globally in 2020. In March 2020 and after its worldwide spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, a respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, a pandemic. During this time, cancer patients were heavily impacted and their treatment plans were changed due to measures to fight the disease and solutions had to be found to maintain their follow-up and management from a distance. Some cancer groups worldwide have recommended then the use of telemedicine for oncology patients to ensure the continuity of medical care during the pandemic. This method was considered effective and clinicians worldwide continued using telehealth even after the cessation of worldwide restrictions. To this end, current up-to-date data on the use of telemedicine in BC patient after the COVID-19 outbreak are summarized in this narrative review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Zeghondy
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Elie Rassy
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Pietro Lapidari
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Roland Eid
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Barbara Pistilli
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
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Rivas G, Rodríguez-Colon S, Ramírez SI, Galdamez C, Valdez S, Shirley S, Diaz-Myers M, Lengerich EJ. Evaluation of the Spanish-Language Cancer Educational Webinar Series "Vamos a educarnos contra el cáncer" with the RE-AIM Framework. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:1629-1635. [PMID: 37243861 PMCID: PMC10224659 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02314-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare for patients with chronic diseases, including cancer. Barriers to healthcare increased, especially for racial and ethnic minorities. While many institutions developed webinars to educate community members, few webinars used a community-based participatory approach, employed a theory-based engagement design, and were evaluated. This manuscript reports the outcomes of "Vamos a educarnos contra el cáncer," a 2021 webinar series. Monthly educational webinars were conducted in Spanish on cancer-related topics. The presentations were delivered by Spanish-speaking content experts from different organizations. Webinars were conducted using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Polls were launched during the webinar to collect data and evaluate each webinar. The RE-AIM model of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance was used to evaluate the series. The SAS Analytics Software was used for analysis and data management. Two hundred ninety-seven people participated with over 3000 views of the webinar recordings (Reach); 90% rated the sessions as good or excellent (Effectiveness); 86% agreed to adopt or improve a cancer-related behavior, and 90% reported willingness to adopt or improve a cancer-related action for someone else (Adoption); 92% reported feeling engaged (Implementation). The series has produced a resource library, manual of operations, and agreement of the Hispanic/Latino Cancer Community Advisory Board (CAB) to continue the webinar series in the future (Maintenance). Overall, these results highlight the impact of this webinar series and provide a standard approach to planning, delivering, and evaluating webinars as a strategy for cancer prevention and control in a culturally appropriate manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriany Rivas
- Division of Health Services and Behavioral Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, PO Box 855, Mailstop CH69, 500 University Drive, Room T3400, Hershey, PA, 17033-0855, USA
| | | | - Sarah Inés Ramírez
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Claudia Galdamez
- The Spanish American Civic Association for Equality, Inc, SACA, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Sandra Valdez
- The Spanish American Civic Association for Equality, Inc, SACA, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | | | - Marcela Diaz-Myers
- Language Interpretation & Cultural Services, WellSpan Health, York, PA, USA
| | - Eugene J Lengerich
- Division of Health Services and Behavioral Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, PO Box 855, Mailstop CH69, 500 University Drive, Room T3400, Hershey, PA, 17033-0855, USA.
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA.
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Dalby M, Nabhani-Gebara S. Editorial: Impact of COVID-19 on cancer care and rehabilitation. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1257427. [PMID: 37588001 PMCID: PMC10425539 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1257427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Dalby
- Department of Pharmacy, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Thomas E, Kennedy A, Walsh W, Carpentier M, Adeyinka H, Patel S, Gerber J, Cerny J, Mittal K. Telehealth through the pandemic at a safety net hospital: observations and next steps for cancer care delivery. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1186350. [PMID: 37333537 PMCID: PMC10272595 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1186350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized cancer care delivery leading to rapid adoption of digital technology for telehealth in the United States. In this study, we describe telehealth utilization trends across the three largest waves of the pandemic at a safety net academic center. We also provide a perspective on lessons learnt and our vision for cancer care delivery using digital technology in the near future. The integration of interpreter services within the video platform and its integration within the electronic medical record system is crucial for safety net institutes that service a diverse patient population. Pay-parity for telehealth, especially ongoing support for audio-only visits, will be critical in overcoming health disparities for patients without access to smartphone technology. Use of telehealth in clinical trials, widespread adoption of hospital at home programs, electronic consults for rapid access, and structured telehealth slots in clinic templates will be crucial in making cancer care more equitable and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Thomas
- Hospital Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alice Kennedy
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - William Walsh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Michelle Carpentier
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Adeyinka
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Shyam Patel
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Gerber
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jan Cerny
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kriti Mittal
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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Yan A, Howden K, Mahar AL, Scott I, Glidden C, Deleemans J, Chalifour K, Eaton G, Gupta A, Bolton JM, Garland SN, Oberoi S. Experiences of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:370-383. [PMID: 35098486 PMCID: PMC8801282 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of AYAs aged 18-49 with cancer in Canada between January and February 2021. Data from survivors, defined as AYAs more than one year off cancer treatment, were analysed. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with psychological distress, loneliness and insomnia. RESULTS The analysis included 384 survivors. Moderate-to-severe psychological distress was reported by 257 (68.9%) survivors and was associated with an income ≥ $60,000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.15, 95% CI 1.11-4.17) and the presence of a pre-existing chronic physical health condition (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.18-3.56). Loneliness was reported by 204 (54.0%) survivors and was associated with being unemployed (AOR 2.26 95%CI 1.18-4.31), pandemic causing finances to be worse (AOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.08-3.06) and the presence of a pre-pandemic mental health condition (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.03-3.42). Clinical insomnia was reported by 74 (19.5%) survivors and was associated with employment status as a student (AOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.08-8.29) or unemployed (AOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.46-10.83), earning $60,000 or more in the year 2020 (AOR 4.36, 95% CI 1.43-13.32), having haematologic cancer (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.05-4.70) and being single (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.08-5.91). Pandemic negatively affected employment, finances, physical activity, cancer care and substance use for 73.9%, 66.5%, 32.5%, 21.8% and 19.2% of survivors, respectively. Worries about finances, contracting COVID-19, cancer treatment increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection, and having poor health outcomes from contracting COVID-19 were reported by 46.0%, 45.6%, 55.0% and 47.3% of survivors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on AYA cancer survivors, and these individuals report high levels of psychological distress, insomnia and loneliness. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Cancer survivors are at risk for worsening mental and physical health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted interventions and support programs are urgently needed to support the mental health of AYA cancer survivors and optimize their health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Yan
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Blood and Cancer Disorder Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Howden
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, 75 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, ON-2015R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Alyson L Mahar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ian Scott
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Camille Glidden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Julie Deleemans
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Karine Chalifour
- Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Geoff Eaton
- Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Abha Gupta
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Care Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James M Bolton
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sheila N Garland
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, 75 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, ON-2015R3E 0V9, Canada.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E0V9, Canada.
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Dalby M, Ailawadi N. The experience of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023; 29:283-289. [PMID: 34904465 PMCID: PMC9899693 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211066891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of many cancer patients in a variety of ways. This study was conducted to understand the experience cancer patients have had during the pandemic. METHOD Cancer patients who were under the care of the Trust between September 2020 - January 2021 were invited to take part in a survey sent through as a text message. RESULTS A total of 600 patients were sent a text message with a link to an online survey. There were 82 patients who responded. The data has been divided into three themes of information provision and safety around COVID-19, impact on cancer care and feeling supported by staff. CONCLUSION It was encouraging to see that patients felt safe coming into the hospitals if it was required and they received appropriate information about changes to their care and how to protect themselves against COVID-19. Most patients stated that the pandemic had not influenced their cancer care. Of those that did experience delays most were understanding of this. There was a mixture of responses in terms of patients feeling supported by staff, most inpatients did feel supported and 75% of patients were able to contact their specialist nurse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Dalby
- Corporate Nursing, Barts Health NHS Trust,
Room 310, John Harrison House, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland
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Mostafaei A, Sadeghi-Ghyassi F, Kabiri N, Hajebrahimi S. Experiences of patients and providers while using telemedicine in cancer care during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative literature. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:10483-10494. [PMID: 36322247 PMCID: PMC9628519 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07415-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this meta-synthesis was to identify, appraise, and synthesize patients and provider’s experiences while using telemedicine in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The databases Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and other related databases were searched. Reviewers followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregation method to identify categories and synthesized findings and to assign a level of confidence to synthesized findings. The listed quotations and the original author interpretations were synthesized using MAXQDA software. Results Nineteen studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Three synthesized findings emerged from 243 primary findings: telemedicine assists but cannot be a substitute for face-to-face appointments in a health care crisis and in the provision of routine care to stable patients with cancer, infrastructural drivers and healthcare provider’s support and attention affect patients’ experiences and feelings about telemedicine, and patients who use telemedicine expect their health care providers to devote enough time and consider emotional needs, the lack of which can develop a negative response. The methodological quality of the studies ranged between 4 and 10, and the overall level of confidence of the synthesized findings was determined to be low and medium. Conclusion The findings from this meta-synthesis gave a new insight to promoting the safe and evidence-based use of telemedicine during the current pandemic and future emergencies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-07415-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mostafaei
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Evidence‑Based Medicine: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi-Ghyassi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Evidence‑Based Medicine: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Kabiri
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Evidence‑Based Medicine: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sakineh Hajebrahimi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Research Center for Evidence‑Based Medicine: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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10
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Miller KD, Nogueira L, Devasia T, Mariotto AB, Yabroff KR, Jemal A, Kramer J, Siegel RL. Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2022. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:409-436. [PMID: 35736631 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 787] [Impact Index Per Article: 393.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of cancer survivors continues to increase in the United States due to the growth and aging of the population as well as advances in early detection and treatment. To assist the public health community in better serving these individuals, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute collaborate triennially to estimate cancer prevalence in the United States using incidence and survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries, vital statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, and population projections from the US Census Bureau. Current treatment patterns based on information in the National Cancer Database are presented for the most prevalent cancer types by race, and cancer-related and treatment-related side-effects are also briefly described. More than 18 million Americans (8.3 million males and 9.7 million females) with a history of cancer were alive on January 1, 2022. The 3 most prevalent cancers are prostate (3,523,230), melanoma of the skin (760,640), and colon and rectum (726,450) among males and breast (4,055,770), uterine corpus (891,560), and thyroid (823,800) among females. More than one-half (53%) of survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, and two-thirds (67%) were aged 65 years or older. One of the largest racial disparities in treatment is for rectal cancer, for which 41% of Black patients with stage I disease receive proctectomy or proctocolectomy compared to 66% of White patients. Surgical receipt is also substantially lower among Black patients with non-small cell lung cancer, 49% for stages I-II and 16% for stage III versus 55% and 22% for White patients, respectively. These treatment disparities are exacerbated by the fact that Black patients continue to be less likely to be diagnosed with stage I disease than White patients for most cancers, with some of the largest disparities for female breast (53% vs 68%) and endometrial (59% vs 73%). Although there are a growing number of tools that can assist patients, caregivers, and clinicians in navigating the various phases of cancer survivorship, further evidence-based strategies and equitable access to available resources are needed to mitigate disparities for communities of color and optimize care for people with a history of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72:409-436.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Theresa Devasia
- Data Analytics Branch, Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Angela B Mariotto
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joan Kramer
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca L Siegel
- Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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11
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Mukherjee KK, Dam A, Chakrabarti D, Jatu D, Sengupta S, Dutta R, Majumdar S, Mandal SS, Basu B, Bhattacharjee P, Mukherjee D, Sengupta S, Chakrabarti J. Is cancer significant comorbid condition in COVID 19 infected patients? -A retrospective analysis experienced in a tertiary care center in Eastern India. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104248. [PMID: 35937633 PMCID: PMC9347138 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It was formerly thought that patients with a history of active cancer were more likely to acquire COVID-19; however, new research contradicts this belief due to the impact of economic stress, malnutrition, fear of hospitalization, or therapeutic discontinuation. A cohort-based study was undertaken in Indian regional cancer centre to understand cancer-covid link in patients. Method A total of 1565 asymptomatic patients were admitted based on thermal screening and evaluation from the screening form from June 2020 to November 2020. The RT-PCR technology was used to assess the COVID 19, and patients who tested positive for COVID 19 were transported to a hospital designated by the government for COVID 19 patients. Patients who tested negative for the COVID 19 virus were transferred to the normal cancer unit to complete their treatment. Patients who tested positive for COVID 19 were referred to the COVID hospital, where their findings were analyzed and correlated with patient age, gender, and cancer stage. Findings Out of 1565 patients, 54 patients (3.4%) tested positive. Most of the patients are in 45-59 years age group. As female patients admitted were more in number than males, so predominance of disease is higher in female. 3 patients were symptomatic after admission and 2 were severe and were admitted to the ICU with ventilations. 8 patients died in Cancer and one patient died in COVID 19. Interpretation As only 3.4% patients tested positive and only one patient out of 54 had died, so cancer is found not to be a comorbid condition towards COVID 19 patients in the Indian population studied.Funding: This project is not funded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan K Mukherjee
- Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical and Translational Research, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Aniruddha Dam
- Department of ENT and Covid strategy committee, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Deepa Chakrabarti
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care and Covid Strategy Committee, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Debasish Jatu
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care and Covid Strategy Committee, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Saubhik Sengupta
- COVID- RT-PCR lab, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Rita Dutta
- Covid-19 ward, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Suparna Majumdar
- Department of Radio-oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Shyam Sundar Mandal
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Biswarup Basu
- Department of Neuroendocrinology and Experimental Hematology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Pratiti Bhattacharjee
- Department of Neuroendocrinology and Experimental Hematology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Dattatreya Mukherjee
- Department of Community Medicine, Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, India
| | - Sankar Sengupta
- COVID- RT-PCR lab, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
| | - Jayanta Chakrabarti
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India
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12
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Milch V, Nelson AE, Austen M, Hector D, Turnbull S, Sathiaraj R, Der Vartanian C, Wang R, Anderiesz C, Keefe D. Conceptual Framework for Cancer Care During a Pandemic Incorporating Evidence From the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2200043. [PMID: 35917484 PMCID: PMC9470141 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With successive infection waves and the spread of more infectious variants, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have major impacts on health care. To achieve best outcomes for patients with cancer during a pandemic, efforts to minimize the increased risk of severe pandemic infection must be carefully balanced against unintended adverse impacts of the pandemic on cancer care, with consideration to available health system capacity. Cancer Australia's conceptual framework for cancer care during a pandemic provides a planning resource for health services and policy-makers that can be broadly applied globally and to similar pandemics. METHODS Evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and health system capacity to June 2021 was reviewed, and the conceptual framework was developed and updated. RESULTS Components of health system capacity vary during a pandemic, and capacity relative to pandemic numbers and severity affects resources available for cancer care delivery. The challenges of successive pandemic waves and high numbers of pandemic cases necessitate consideration of changing health system capacity in decision making about cancer care. Cancer Australia’s conceptual framework provides guidance on continuation of care across the cancer pathway, in the face of challenges to health systems, while minimizing infection risk for patients with cancer and unintended consequences of delays in screening, diagnosis, and cancer treatment and backlogs because of service interruption. CONCLUSION Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic supports continuation of cancer care wherever possible during similar pandemics. Cancer Australia's conceptual framework, underpinned by principles for optimal cancer care, informs decision making across the cancer care continuum. It incorporates consideration of changes in health system capacity and capacity for cancer care, in relation to pandemic progression, enabling broad applicability to different global settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivienne Milch
- Cancer Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne E. Nelson
- Evidence Review Contractor, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Debra Hector
- Cancer Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Rhona Wang
- Cancer Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cleola Anderiesz
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dorothy Keefe
- Cancer Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Berger JM, Wohlfarth P, Königsbrügge O, Knaus HA, Porpaczy E, Kaufmann H, Schreiber J, Mrva-Ghukasyan T, Winder T, Severgnini L, Wolf D, Petzer V, Nguyen VA, Weinlich G, Öhler L, Wonnerth A, Miksovsky A, Engelhart B, Preusser M, Berghoff AS. SARS-CoV-2-related mortality and treatment delays for cancer patients in Austria : Findings of a multicentric nationwide study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2022; 134:371-376. [PMID: 35171337 PMCID: PMC8852912 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-022-02006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have an increased risk of mortality. Here, we investigated predictive factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated mortality in patients with neoplastic diseases treated throughout Austria. METHODS In this multicentric nationwide cohort study, data on patients with active or previous malignant diseases and SARS-CoV‑2 infections diagnosed between 13 March 2020 and 06 April 2021 were collected. Collected data included the stage of the malignant disease and outcome parameters 30 days after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV‑2 infection. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 230 individuals of which 75 (32.6%) patients were diagnosed with hematologic malignancies and 155 (67.4%) with solid tumors. At a median follow-up of 31 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, 38 (16.5%) patients had died due to COVID-19. Compared to survivors, patients who died were older (62.4 vs. 71.4 years, p < 0.001) and had a higher ECOG performance status (0.7 vs. 2.43, p < 0.001). Furthermore, higher neutrophil counts (64.9% vs. 73.8%, p = 0.03), lower lymphocyte counts (21.4% vs. 14%, p = 0.006) and lower albumin levels (32.5 g/l vs. 21.6 g/l, p < 0.001) were observed to be independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. No association between mortality and systemic antineoplastic therapy was found (p > 0.05). In 60.6% of the patients, therapy was postponed due to quarantine requirements or hospital admission. CONCLUSION Mortality of Austrian cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV‑2 is comparable to that of other countries. Furthermore, risk factors associated with higher mortality were evident and similar to the general population. Treatment delays were frequently observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Berger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Phillipp Wohlfarth
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Königsbrügge
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanna A Knaus
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edit Porpaczy
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Kaufmann
- Clinical Oncology and Hematology, Kaiser-Franz-Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Schreiber
- Clinical Oncology and Hematology, Kaiser-Franz-Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Winder
- Internal Medicine II, Department of Hematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology and Infectiology, Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Luciano Severgnini
- Internal Medicine II, Department of Hematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology and Infectiology, Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Internal Medicine V, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Petzer
- Internal Medicine V, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Van Anh Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Weinlich
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leopold Öhler
- Department of Internal Medicine/Oncology, St. Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Wonnerth
- Department of Internal Medicine/Oncology, St. Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna S Berghoff
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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14
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Alpuim Costa D, Nobre JGG, Fernandes JP, Batista MV, Simas A, Sales C, Gouveia H, Ribeiro LA, Coelho A, Brito M, Inácio M, Cruz A, Mariano M, Savva-Bordalo J, Fernandes R, Oliveira A, Chaves A, Fontes-Sousa M, Sampaio-Alves M, Martins-Branco D, Afonso N. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Cancer Management in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study of Medical Oncologists. Oncol Ther 2022; 10:225-240. [PMID: 35312952 PMCID: PMC8935098 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-022-00191-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer care providers have faced many challenges in delivering safe care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional survey-based study investigated the impact of the pandemic on clinical practices of Portuguese medical oncologists caring for patients with breast cancer. METHODS An anonymous online survey comprising 42 questions gathered information regarding COVID-19 testing, treatment in (neo)adjuvant and metastatic settings, and other aspects of breast cancer management. Practices before and during the pandemic were compared, and potential differences in outcomes according to respondents' regions, case volumes, and practice type were explored. RESULTS Of 129 respondents, 108 worked in the public health system, giving a representative national picture of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer management. Seventy-one percent of respondents reported a reduction in visits for new cases of breast cancer, and there was a shift towards increased use of telemedicine. Clinical decision-making was largely unaffected in the most aggressive indications (i.e., triple-negative, HER2-positive, visceral crisis). The use of neoadjuvant therapy increased when access to surgery was difficult, whereas dose-dense regimens decreased, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor treatment decreased for less aggressive disease and increased for more aggressive disease. The use of oral formulations and metronomic chemotherapy regimens increased, and clinical trial participation decreased. Some differences by respondents' region and case volume were noted. CONCLUSION Medical oncologists in Portugal implemented many changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of which were logical and reasonable responses to the current healthcare emergency; however, the true impact on patient outcomes remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Alpuim Costa
- Breast Cancer Unit, CUF Oncologia, Rua Mário Botas, s/n 1998-018, Lisbon, Portugal. .,NOVA Medical School (NMS), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - João Paulo Fernandes
- Breast Cancer Unit, CUF Oncologia, Rua Mário Botas, s/n 1998-018, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Vaz Batista
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca (HFF), IC19, 2720-276, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Ana Simas
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santa Luzia (HSL), Unidade Local Saúde Alto Minho (ULSAM), Estr. de Santa Luzia 50 4900, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Carolina Sales
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, Hospital Central Do Funchal (HCF), Av. Luís de Camões 6180, 9000-177, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Helena Gouveia
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Av. Brasília, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leonor Abreu Ribeiro
- Breast Cancer Unit, CUF Oncologia, Rua Mário Botas, s/n 1998-018, Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria (HSM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Coelho
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira (HSEIT), Canada do Briado, Canada do Briado, 9700-049, Terceira, Azores, Portugal
| | - Margarida Brito
- Medical Oncology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de São Bernardo (HSB), Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal (CHS), Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Aptd. 140, Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Mariana Inácio
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Do Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE), Largo do Sr. da Pobreza, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
| | - André Cruz
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Particular Do Algarve-Gambelas, Grupo HPA Saúde, Urbanização Casal de Gambelas, Lote 2, 8005-226, Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica Mariano
- Medical Oncology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil (IPOCFG), E.P.E., Av. Prof. Dr. Bissaya Barreto 98, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Savva-Bordalo
- Medical Oncology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia Do Porto Francisco Gentil (IPOPFG), E.P.E., Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Oporto, Portugal
| | | | - André Oliveira
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES), Av. D. Manuel I, 9500-370, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - Andreia Chaves
- Breast Cancer Unit, CUF Oncologia, Rua Mário Botas, s/n 1998-018, Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca (HFF), IC19, 2720-276, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Mário Fontes-Sousa
- Breast Cancer Unit, CUF Oncologia, Rua Mário Botas, s/n 1998-018, Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de São Bernardo (HSB), Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal (CHS), Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Aptd. 140, Setúbal, Portugal.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de São Francisco Xavier (HSFX), Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental (CHLO), Estr. Forte do Alto Duque, 1449-005, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Sampaio-Alves
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Do Porto (FMUP), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Oporto, Portugal.,PTSurg-Portuguese Surgical Research Collaborative, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo Martins-Branco
- Academic Trials Promoting Team, Institut Jules Bordet, l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Av. Franklin Roosevelt 50, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Noémia Afonso
- Medical Oncology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), R. Conceição Fernandes S/N, 4434-502, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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15
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Valdiviezo N, Alcarraz C, Castro D, Salas R, Begazo-Mollo V, Galvez-Villanueva M, Medina Aguirre L, Garcia-León E, Quispe-Santivañez I, Cornejo-Raymundo C, Paz-Cornejo E, Sanchez-Vilela L, Bermudez-Alfaro V, Vargas-Nina JC, Pérez-Ramos C, Meza-Hoces A, Valdez Barreto PR, Huaringa-Leiva R, Muro-Cieza J, Aguilar-Vásquez V, Cuenca EY, Neciosup-Delgado S, Poma-Nieto N, Chavez-Gavino S, Fernandez-Rosas L, Araujo JM, Payet E, Gomez HL. Oncological Care During First Peruvian National Emergency COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicentric Descriptive Study. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:1075-1085. [PMID: 35300062 PMCID: PMC8922040 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s350038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Valdiviezo
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, 15038, Peru
- Correspondence: Natalia Valdiviezo, Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Av. Angamos 2520, Surquillo, Lima, 15038, Peru, Tel +51 992825055, Email
| | - Cindy Alcarraz
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, 15038, Peru
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Perú
| | - Denisse Castro
- Departamento de Oncología Médica, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, 15072, Peru
- Centro de Investigación de Medicina de Precisión, Universidad de San Martin de Porres, Lima, 15024, Peru
| | - Renzo Salas
- Departamento de Oncología Médica, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, 15072, Peru
| | - Victor Begazo-Mollo
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas Sur, Arequipa, Perú
| | - Marco Galvez-Villanueva
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas Norte, La Libertad, Perú
| | - Luz Medina Aguirre
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Goyeneche, Arequipa, 04600, Perú
| | - Elica Garcia-León
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Regional de Lambayeque, Lambayeque, 14001, Perú
| | | | | | - Eduardo Paz-Cornejo
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Sanchez-Vilela
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital de Apoyo II Santa Rosa, Piura, Peru
| | - Vanessa Bermudez-Alfaro
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima, 15033, Peru
| | | | - Carlos Pérez-Ramos
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital María Auxiliadora, Lima, Peru
| | - Andrea Meza-Hoces
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital II E de Lamas, San Martin, Peru
| | - Paolo R Valdez Barreto
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital de Alta complejidad Virgen de la Puerta, La Libertad, Peru
| | | | - Johanny Muro-Cieza
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Cajamarca, Peru
| | - Valeria Aguilar-Vásquez
- Departamento de Promoción de la Salud, Prevención y Control del Cáncer, Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas Norte, La Libertad, Perú
| | - Eduardo Yache Cuenca
- Departamento de Epidemiología, Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas Norte, La Libertad, Perú
| | - Silvia Neciosup-Delgado
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, 15038, Peru
| | - Nathaly Poma-Nieto
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, Lima, Perú
| | - Sheyla Chavez-Gavino
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Hospital Regional Eleazar Guzmán Barrón, Ancash, Perú
| | - Lenin Fernandez-Rosas
- Departamento de Cirugía Oncológica, Hospital Regional Eleazar Guzmán Barrón, Ancash, Perú
| | - Jhajaira M Araujo
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Perú
| | - Eduardo Payet
- Jefatura Institucional, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, 15038, Peru
| | - Henry L Gomez
- Departamento de Medicina Oncológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, 15038, Peru
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16
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Schweitzer J, Hoffman M, Graf SA. The evidence to date on umbralisib for the treatment of refractory marginal zone lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:535-541. [PMID: 35209784 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2043273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Between 2014 and 2018 The United States Food and Drug Administration granted approvals for three small molecule inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) as monotherapy for follicular lymphoma relapsed after at least 2 prior therapies. Idelalisib, copanlisib, and duvelisib each showed similar overall response rate and progression-free survival efficacy along with significant toxicity in separate phase II single-arm studies. Umbralisib, as the 4th iteration in this PI3K-inhibitor class for relapsed/refractory indolent B-cell lymphoma (iB-NHL), appears comparably active but may have improved tolerability. AREAS COVERED We review the use and limitations of PI3K-inhibitors for iB-NHL and discuss the development of and clinical results for umbralisib. Efficacy data are contextualized alongside other PI3K-inihibitors within the limitations of published single-arm studies. We compare and contrast available safety data, covering the off-target inhibition by umbralisib of casein kinase 1ε that is thought to contribute to a more favorable immune-mediated toxicity profile. EXPERT OPINION Though a late-comer to the PI3K-inihibitor party in iB-NHL, umbralisib may carve out an important role in treatment algorithms. Umbralisib's apparently superior safety needs to be confirmed in real-world and, ideally, comparative studies but stands to make it an attractive option in patients who are frail and/or seek treatments more compatible with remote management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Schweitzer
- Pharmacy Section, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Meghan Hoffman
- Pharmacy Section, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Solomon A Graf
- Medical Oncology Section, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Kempf E, Priou S, Lamé G, Daniel C, Bellamine A, Sommacale D, Belkacemi Y, Bey R, Galula G, Taright N, Tannier X, Rance B, Flicoteaux R, Hemery F, Audureau E, Chatellier G, Tournigand C. Impact of two waves of Sars-Cov2 outbreak on the number, clinical presentation, care trajectories and survival of patients newly referred for a colorectal cancer: A French multicentric cohort study from a large group of university hospitals. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1609-1618. [PMID: 35001364 PMCID: PMC9015603 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐Cov2 may have impaired care trajectories, patient overall survival (OS), tumor stage at initial presentation for new colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. This study aimed at assessing those indicators before and after the beginning of the pandemic in France. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected prospectively the clinical data of the 11.4 million of patients referred to the Greater Paris University Hospitals (AP‐HP). We identified new CRC cases between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020, and compared indicators for 2018‐2019 to 2020. pTNM tumor stage was extracted from postoperative pathology reports for localized colon cancer, and metastatic status was extracted from CT‐scan baseline text reports. Between 2018 and 2020, 3602 and 1083 new colon and rectal cancers were referred to the AP‐HP, respectively. The 1‐year OS rates reached 94%, 93% and 76% for new CRC patients undergoing a resection of the primary tumor, in 2018‐2019, in 2020 without any Sars‐Cov2 infection and in 2020 with a Sars‐Cov2 infection, respectively (HR 3.78, 95% CI 2.1‐7.1). For patients undergoing other kind of anticancer treatment, the percentages are 64%, 66% and 27% (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4‐3.3). Tumor stage at initial presentation, emergency level of primary tumor resection, delays between the first multidisciplinary meeting and the first anticancer treatment did not differ over time. The SARS‐Cov2 pandemic has been associated with less newly diagnosed CRC patients and worse 1‐year OS rates attributable to the infection itself rather than to its impact on hospital care delivery or tumor stage at initial presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Kempf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.,Laboratoire d'Informatique Médicale et d'Ingénierie des Connaissances pour la e-Santé, LIMICS, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Priou
- IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Innovation and Data, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Lamé
- Laboratoire Génie Industriel, Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Christel Daniel
- Laboratoire d'Informatique Médicale et d'Ingénierie des Connaissances pour la e-Santé, LIMICS, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France.,IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Innovation and Data, Paris, France
| | - Ali Bellamine
- IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Innovation and Data, Paris, France
| | - Daniele Sommacale
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Yazid Belkacemi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Romain Bey
- IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Innovation and Data, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Galula
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Head Office, Paris, France
| | - Namik Taright
- Department of Medical Information, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Head Office, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Tannier
- Laboratoire d'Informatique Médicale et d'Ingénierie des Connaissances pour la e-Santé, LIMICS, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
| | - Bastien Rance
- Department of Medical Informatics, Centre-Université de Paris (APHP-CUP), Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Flicoteaux
- Department of Medical Information, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Head Office, Paris, France
| | - François Hemery
- Department of Medical Information, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Etienne Audureau
- Clinical Research Unit, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, CEpiA Team, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Gilles Chatellier
- Department of Medical Informatics, Centre-Université de Paris (APHP-CUP), Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Tournigand
- Department of Medical Oncology, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Teaching Hospital, Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
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Maka V, Devadas S. Perceptions and realities about early mortality rates from COVID-19 in Indian patients with cancer. CANCER RESEARCH, STATISTICS, AND TREATMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/crst.crst_90_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Delivery of Virtual Care in Oncology: Province-Wide Interprofessional Consensus Statements Using a Modified Delphi Process. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:5332-5345. [PMID: 34940084 PMCID: PMC8700064 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual cancer care (i.e., teleoncology) was rapidly adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the needs of patients with cancer. However, there is a paucity of guidance for clinicians regarding virtual cancer care. We sought to develop consensus-based statements to guide the optimal provision of virtual care for clinicians caring for patients with cancer, using a modified Delphi consensus process with a 29-member panel consisting of an interprofessional group of clinicians caring for patients with cancer and patient representatives. The consensus process consisted of two rounds and one synchronous final consensus meeting. At the end of the modified Delphi process, 62 of 62 statements achieved consensus. Fifty-seven statements reached consensus in the first round of the process. Concerns regarding the ability to convey difficult news virtually and maintaining similar standards as in-person care without disproportionate strain on clinicians and patients were addressed in the consensus process. We achieved interprofessional consensus on virtual cancer care practices. Further research examining the impact of virtual cancer care on person-centred and clinical outcomes are needed to inform practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Elkrief A, Wu JT, Jani C, Enriquez KT, Glover M, Shah MR, Shaikh HG, Beeghly-Fadiel A, French B, Jhawar SR, Johnson DB, McKay RR, Rivera DR, Reuben DY, Shah S, Tinianov SL, Vinh DC, Mishra S, Warner JL. Learning through a Pandemic: The Current State of Knowledge on COVID-19 and Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 12:303-330. [PMID: 34893494 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left patients with current or past history of cancer facing disparate consequences at every stage of the cancer trajectory. This comprehensive review offers a landscape analysis of the current state of the literature on COVID-19 and cancer including the immune response to COVID-19, risk factors for severe disease, and impact of anticancer therapies. We also review the latest data on treatment of COVID-19 and vaccination safety and efficacy in patients with cancer, as well as impact of the pandemic on cancer care, including the urgent need for rapid evidence generation and real-world study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Elkrief
- Hemato-Oncology, University of Montreal Research Center (CRCHUM)
| | | | | | - Kyle T Enriquez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | | | - Mansi R Shah
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Sachin R Jhawar
- Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Y Reuben
- Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Mishra
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jeremy L Warner
- Medicine and Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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21
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Pinato DJ, Tabernero J, Bower M, Scotti L, Patel M, Colomba E, Dolly S, Loizidou A, Chester J, Mukherjee U, Zambelli A, Dalla Pria A, Aguilar-Company J, Ottaviani D, Chowdhury A, Merry E, Salazar R, Bertuzzi A, Brunet J, Lambertini M, Tagliamento M, Pous A, Sita-Lumsden A, Srikandarajah K, Colomba J, Pommeret F, Seguí E, Generali D, Grisanti S, Pedrazzoli P, Rizzo G, Libertini M, Moss C, Evans JS, Russell B, Harbeck N, Vincenzi B, Biello F, Bertulli R, Liñan R, Rossi S, Carmona-García MC, Tondini C, Fox L, Baggi A, Fotia V, Parisi A, Porzio G, Saponara M, Cruz CA, García-Illescas D, Felip E, Roqué Lloveras A, Sharkey R, Roldán E, Reyes R, Earnshaw I, Ferrante D, Marco-Hernández J, Ruiz-Camps I, Gaidano G, Patriarca A, Bruna R, Sureda A, Martinez-Vila C, Sanchez de Torre A, Cantini L, Filetti M, Rimassa L, Chiudinelli L, Franchi M, Krengli M, Santoro A, Prat A, Van Hemelrijck M, Diamantis N, Newsom-Davis T, Gennari A, Cortellini A. Prevalence and impact of COVID-19 sequelae on treatment and survival of patients with cancer who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection: evidence from the OnCovid retrospective, multicentre registry study. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:1669-1680. [PMID: 34741822 PMCID: PMC8565932 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medium-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 in patients with cancer is not yet known. In this study, we aimed to describe the prevalence of COVID-19 sequelae and their impact on the survival of patients with cancer. We also aimed to describe patterns of resumption and modifications of systemic anti-cancer therapy following recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS OnCovid is an active European registry study enrolling consecutive patients aged 18 years or older with a history of solid or haematological malignancy and who had a diagnosis of RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. For this retrospective study, patients were enrolled from 35 institutions across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Patients who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection between Feb 27, 2020, and Feb 14, 2021, and entered into the registry at the point of data lock (March 1, 2021), were eligible for analysis. The present analysis was focused on COVID-19 survivors who underwent clinical reassessment at each participating institution. We documented prevalence of COVID-19 sequelae and described factors associated with their development and their association with post-COVID-19 survival, which was defined as the interval from post-COVID-19 reassessment to the patients' death or last follow-up. We also evaluated resumption of systemic anti-cancer therapy in patients treated within 4 weeks of COVID-19 diagnosis. The OnCovid study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04393974. FINDINGS 2795 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection between Feb 27, 2020, and Feb 14, 2021, were entered into the study by the time of the data lock on March 1, 2021. After the exclusion of ineligible patients, the final study population consisted of 2634 patients. 1557 COVID-19 survivors underwent a formal clinical reassessment after a median of 22·1 months (IQR 8·4-57·8) from cancer diagnosis and 44 days (28-329) from COVID-19 diagnosis. 234 (15·0%) patients reported COVID-19 sequelae, including respiratory symptoms (116 [49·6%]) and residual fatigue (96 [41·0%]). Sequelae were more common in men (vs women; p=0·041), patients aged 65 years or older (vs other age groups; p=0·048), patients with two or more comorbidities (vs one or none; p=0·0006), and patients with a history of smoking (vs no smoking history; p=0·0004). Sequelae were associated with hospitalisation for COVID-19 (p<0·0001), complicated COVID-19 (p<0·0001), and COVID-19 therapy (p=0·0002). With a median post-COVID-19 follow-up of 128 days (95% CI 113-148), COVID-19 sequelae were associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 1·80 [95% CI 1·18-2·75]) after adjusting for time to post-COVID-19 reassessment, sex, age, comorbidity burden, tumour characteristics, anticancer therapy, and COVID-19 severity. Among 466 patients on systemic anti-cancer therapy, 70 (15·0%) permanently discontinued therapy, and 178 (38·2%) resumed treatment with a dose or regimen adjustment. Permanent treatment discontinuations were independently associated with an increased risk of death (HR 3·53 [95% CI 1·45-8·59]), but dose or regimen adjustments were not (0·84 [0·35-2·02]). INTERPRETATION Sequelae post-COVID-19 affect up to 15% of patients with cancer and adversely affect survival and oncological outcomes after recovery. Adjustments to systemic anti-cancer therapy can be safely pursued in treatment-eligible patients. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre and the Cancer Treatment and Research Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Bower
- Department of Oncology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; National Centre for HIV Malignancy, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Lorenza Scotti
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Meera Patel
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Emeline Colomba
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, University of Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Saoirse Dolly
- Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Angela Loizidou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - John Chester
- Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Medical Oncology, Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, UK
| | - Uma Mukherjee
- Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alberto Zambelli
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alessia Dalla Pria
- Department of Oncology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; National Centre for HIV Malignancy, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Juan Aguilar-Company
- Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Ottaviani
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Amani Chowdhury
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Eve Merry
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Ramon Salazar
- Department of Medical Oncology, ICO L'Hospitalet, Oncobell Program, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexia Bertuzzi
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Joan Brunet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Tagliamento
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Pous
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | | | | | - Johann Colomba
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, University of Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Fanny Pommeret
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, University of Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Elia Seguí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniele Generali
- Multidisciplinary Breast Pathology and Translational Research Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Cremona, Cremona, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Rizzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Libertini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Charlotte Moss
- Translational Oncology and Urology Research, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joanne S Evans
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Beth Russell
- Translational Oncology and Urology Research, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nadia Harbeck
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Breast Center and Gynecological Cancer Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Biello
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore Della Caritá, Novara, Italy
| | - Rossella Bertulli
- Medical Oncology 2, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Raquel Liñan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Rossi
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carmen Carmona-García
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlo Tondini
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Laura Fox
- Haematology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alice Baggi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Fotia
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Parisi
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giampero Porzio
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maristella Saponara
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Treatment Unit, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | | | - David García-Illescas
- Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eudald Felip
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Roqué Lloveras
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, University Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Rachel Sharkey
- Department of Oncology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; National Centre for HIV Malignancy, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Elisa Roldán
- Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roxana Reyes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irina Earnshaw
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Isabel Ruiz-Camps
- Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Haematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore Della Caritá, Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Patriarca
- Division of Haematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore Della Caritá, Novara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bruna
- Division of Haematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore Della Caritá, Novara, Italy
| | - Anna Sureda
- Haematology Department, ICO L'Hospitalet, Oncobell Program, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Luca Cantini
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiudinelli
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Michela Franchi
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Krengli
- Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore Della Caritá, Novara, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Aleix Prat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mieke Van Hemelrijck
- Translational Oncology and Urology Research, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Thomas Newsom-Davis
- Department of Oncology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; National Centre for HIV Malignancy, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore Della Caritá, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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22
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Bizot A, Karimi M, Rassy E, Heudel PE, Levy C, Vanlemmens L, Uzan C, Deluche E, Genet D, Saghatchian M, Giacchetti S, Grenier J, Patsouris A, Dieras V, Pierga JY, Petit T, Ladoire S, Jacot W, Benderra MA, De Jesus A, Delaloge S, Lambertini M, Pistilli B. Multicenter evaluation of breast cancer patients' satisfaction and experience with oncology telemedicine visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1486-1493. [PMID: 34588616 PMCID: PMC8480754 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultation was implemented in clinical practice to limit patient exposure to COVID-19 while monitoring their treatment and follow-up. We sought to examine the satisfaction of patients with breast cancer (BC) who underwent teleconsultations during this period. METHODS Eighteen centres in France and Italy invited patients with BC who had at least one teleconsultation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to participate in a web-based survey that evaluated their satisfaction (EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 and Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire [TSQ] scores) with teleconsultation. RESULTS Among the 1299 participants eligible for this analysis, 53% of participants were undergoing standard post-treatment follow-up while 22 and 17% were currently receiving active anticancer therapy for metastatic and localised cancers, respectively. The mean satisfaction scores were 77.4 and 73.3 for the EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 and TSQ scores, respectively. In all, 52.6% of participants had low/no anxiety. Multivariable analysis showed that the EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 score correlated to age, anxiety score and teleconsultation modality. The TSQ score correlated to disease status and anxiety score. CONCLUSION Patients with BC were satisfied with oncology teleconsultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teleconsultation may be an acceptable alternative follow-up modality in specific circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bizot
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, Villejui, France
| | - Maryam Karimi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Gustave Roussy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Oncostat U1018, Inserm, University Paris-Saclay, Labeled Ligue Contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Elie Rassy
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, Villejui, France
| | | | - Christelle Levy
- Institut Normand du Sein, Centre Francois Baclesse, Caen, France
| | | | - Catherine Uzan
- Breast and Gynecologic Surgery, Assistance Publique - Hopitaux De Paris, Paris, France
| | - Elise Deluche
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Limoges - Hopital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - Dominique Genet
- Medical Oncology Department, Clinique Chenieux, Limoges, France
| | | | | | - Juline Grenier
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Ste Catherine, Avignon, France
| | - Anne Patsouris
- Medical Oncology Department, ICO - Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest Nantes-Angers, Angers, France
| | - Véronique Dieras
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Eugene - Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Yves Pierga
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Curie & St Cloud, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Petit
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Paul Strauss Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Georges-François Leclerc (Dijon), Dijon, France
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier University, INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Anne De Jesus
- Patient Relationship Coordination, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Matteo Lambertini
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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23
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Govalan R, Luu M, Lauzon M, Kosari K, Ahn JC, Rich NE, Nissen N, Roberts LR, Singal AG, Yang JD. Therapeutic Underuse and Delay in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Clinical Impact. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:223-236. [PMID: 34558830 PMCID: PMC8710787 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could be affected by lack of or delayed therapy. We aimed to characterize the prevalence, correlates, and clinical impact of therapeutic underuse and delay in patients with HCC. Patients with HCC diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 were analyzed from the United States National Cancer Database. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with no and delayed (>90 days after diagnosis) HCC treatment. Cox proportional hazards regression with landmark analysis assessed the association between therapeutic delay and overall survival (OS), accounting for immortal time bias. Of 116,299 patients with HCC, 24.2% received no treatment and 18.4% of treated patients had delayed treatment. Older age, Black, Hispanic, lower socioeconomic status, earlier year of diagnosis, treatment at nonacademic centers, Northeast region, increased medical comorbidity, worse liver dysfunction, and higher tumor burden were associated with no treatment. Among treated patients, younger age, Hispanic, Black, treatment at academic centers, West region, earlier tumor stage, and receipt of noncurative treatment were associated with treatment delays. In multivariable Cox regression with a landmark of 150 days, patients with and without treatment delays had similar OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98‐1.04) with a median survival of 33.7 vs. 32.1 months, respectively. However, therapeutic delay was associated with worse OS in patients who had tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) stage 1 (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.11) or received curative treatment (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.18). Conclusion: One‐fourth of patients with HCC receive no therapy and one‐fifth of treated patients experience treatment delays. Both were associated with demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics of patients as well as facility type and region. The association between therapeutic delay and survival was stage and treatment dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Luu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marie Lauzon
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kambiz Kosari
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph C Ahn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nicole E Rich
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas Nissen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Cancer Care of Adolescents and Young Adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:3201-3213. [PMID: 34436044 PMCID: PMC8395398 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to describe the negative and positive impacts of changes in cancer care delivery due to COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Canada, as well as the correlates of negative impact and their perspectives on optimization of cancer care. We conducted an online, self-administered survey of AYAs with cancer living in Canada between January and February 2021. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a negative impact on cancer care. Of the 805 participants, 173 (21.5%) experienced a negative impact on their cancer care including delays in diagnostic tests (11.9%), cancer treatment (11.4%), and appointments (11.1%). A prior diagnosis of mental or chronic physical health condition, an annual income of <20,000 CAD, ongoing cancer treatment, and province of residence were independently associated with a negative cancer care impact (p-value < 0.05). The majority (n = 767, 95.2%) stated a positive impact of the changes to cancer care delivery, including the implementation of virtual healthcare visits (n = 601, 74.6%). Pandemic-related changes in cancer care delivery have unfavorably and favorably influenced AYAs with cancer. Interventions to support AYAs who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pandemic, and the thoughtful integration of virtual care into cancer care delivery models is essential.
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Berger JM, Gansterer M, Trutschnig W, Bathke AC, Strassl R, Lamm W, Raderer M, Preusser M, Berghoff AS. SARS-CoV-2 screening in cancer outpatients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic : Conclusions for crisis response at a high-volume oncology center. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 133:909-914. [PMID: 34410467 PMCID: PMC8375465 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01927-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic Austria suffered one of the highest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rates worldwide. We report performance parameters of a SARS-CoV‑2 screening program established for cancer outpatients at our center. METHODS Institutional policy recommended routine biweekly SARS-CoV‑2 testing. Adherence to the testing recommendation during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between 1 October and 30 November 2020 was analyzed. The SARS-CoV‑2 infection rate during first wave period (21 March to 4 May 2020) was compared to the one during second wave. RESULTS A total of 1577 cancer patients were seen at our outpatient clinic during the second wave. In 1079/1577 (68.4%) patients, at least 1 SARS-CoV2 test was performed. Overall 2833 tests were performed, 23/1577 (1.5%, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.0-2.2%) patients were tested positive for SARS-CoV‑2, which indicates a significant increase compared to the first wave (4/1016; 0.4%, 95% CI 0.1-1.0%) with an odds ratio of 3.9 (95% CI 1.5-10.1; p < 0.005). Patients undergoing active anticancer treatment (172/960; 17.9% not tested) were more likely to have undergone a SARS-CoV‑2 test than patients in follow-up or best supportive care (326/617; 52.8% not tested p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with only 1 visit within 4 weeks were more likely to not have undergone a SARS-CoV‑2 test (386/598; 64.5%) compared to patients with 2 or more visits (112/979; 11.4%; p < 0.001). The projected number of patients with undetected SARS-CoV‑2 infection during the study period was 5. CONCLUSION We identified clinical patient parameters influencing SARS-CoV‑2 testing coverage in cancer outpatients. Our data can provide information on generation of standard operating procedures and resource allocation during subsequent infection waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Berger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margaretha Gansterer
- Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Trutschnig
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Intelligent Data Analytics Lab Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arne C Bathke
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Intelligent Data Analytics Lab Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Robert Strassl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Lamm
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Raderer
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna S Berghoff
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Kalinka E, Chmielewska I, Wojas-Krawczyk K. Viral Infection and Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:577514. [PMID: 34434887 PMCID: PMC8381362 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.577514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (mainly anti-PD1 and anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibodies) became a standard of care in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Most of the clinical trials excluded patients with hepatitis B (HBV), hepatis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) active infection (1-10). Despite the progress in treatment of these infections, they remain an unresolved clinical problem when lung cancer immunotherapy should be initiated in an NSCLC patient. This manuscript summarizes the data from the literature concerning this subgroup of patients including the rationale for immunotherapy initiation depending on the HBV, HCV, or HIV infection status; the risk of adverse events; and the efficacy compared to non-infected patients. One of the crucial questions is how the candidates to immunotherapy should be screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV infections. The year 2020 brought the world a new but dynamic viral problem-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). The incorporation of known data in oncology guidelines became a burning need, and then, which group of the infected patients can be treated with immunotherapy despite the infection. Oncologists should also know if these patients should receive antiviral therapy and what are the safe combinations in these settings. We also indicate which of the adverse events should be monitored carefully during checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kalinka
- Department of Oncology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital – Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Izabela Chmielewska
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamila Wojas-Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Duncan N, Deekes N, FitzGerald D, Ng TWT, Raghavan M. Models of care for chronic myeloid leukemia patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom: Changes in patient attitudes to remote consultations and future implications. EJHAEM 2021; 2:394-399. [PMID: 34226902 PMCID: PMC8242739 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges to the provision of patient care within hematology. We undertook a questionnaire-based study investigating the experiences and opinions of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the UK in relation to the different models of follow-up care received during the pandemic. One hundred fifty-four patients completed the online questionnaire. Only 19% of patients had experienced remote clinics prior to the pandemic compared with 91% afterward. After having experience of remote clinics, the proportion of patients who were positive about the remote clinic concept increased from 34% to 52% (P < .05). However, when asked to compare their experiences with face to face versus remote clinics, 48% preferred face-to-face clinics compared with 17% preferring remote clinics (35% expressed no preference). During the pandemic, frequency of blood tests was unchanged for 71% of patients, although they were performed in a number of different locations. The majority of patients (57%) had medication delivered to their home, with a small number (8%) having difficulty obtaining their medication. In terms of future models of care, 72% of patients were in favor of building remote appointments into the clinic model with 61% expressing a preference for a mixture of remote and face-to-face appointments. There was also interest in greater utilization of primary care for blood testing. Our findings should help optimize future models of care for CML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Duncan
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | | | | | | | - Manoj Raghavan
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital and University of BirminghamBirminghamUK
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Desai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Narjust Duma
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Gilberto Lopes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, Miami, FL
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29
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Binswanger J, Kohl C, Behling F, Noell S, Hirsch S, Hickmann AK, Tatagiba MS, Tabatabai G, Hippler M, Renovanz M. Neuro-oncological patients' and caregivers' psychosocial burden during the COVID-19 pandemic-A prospective study with qualitative content analysis. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1502-1513. [PMID: 33938076 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic may reinforce psychosocial distress of neuro-oncological patients. We aimed to (1) differentiate the burden caused by the pandemic versus the tumor and (2) establish topics relevant for brain tumor patients (BTPs) and caregivers. METHODS Patients and caregivers were prospectively assessed from April 2020-July 2020 by a 10-item comprising interview over the phone, including qualitative and quantitative questions. They were quantitatively evaluated i.a. by the distress thermometer (DT, score 1-10). The qualitative questions were analyzed using structured content analysis: The interview questions defined the main categories. Subcategories were derived by an inductive approach assessing the frequency of patients' and caregivers' answers. RESULTS A total of 69 patients and 20 caregivers were interviewed; n = 36 were female (49%), mean age was 53 years (range 32-81). Patients' disease-related DT scores were higher than the COVID-19-related DT scores: the median of the disease-related DT score was 7 (range 2-10) versus median of COVID-19-related distress: 5.0 (range 2-7). Caregivers perceived a higher burden due to the disease (DT median disease: 8; range 2-10 vs. DT pandemic: 3, range 0-10). A total of five main and 21 subcategories were elaborated, most frequently mentioned were "restrictions in public and private affairs" (28%), "changes in the psychological well-being" (23%), "limited social interaction by contact restriction" (25%). Subcategories relevant for caregivers were similar to those of BTPs. CONCLUSION A considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the brain tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic. We established main and subcategories of interview items possibly of great relevance to patients during these difficult times, which could be implemented in the content-related adaption of the psychosocial assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Binswanger
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Kohl
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Behling
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susan Noell
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sophie Hirsch
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Hickmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitat St Gallen Bibliothek, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marcos Soares Tatagiba
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melina Hippler
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mirjam Renovanz
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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30
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Assadian O, Golling M, Krüger CM, Leaper D, Mutters NT, Roth B, Kramer A. Surgical site infections: guidance for elective surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - international recommendations and clinical experience. J Hosp Infect 2021; 111:189-199. [PMID: 33600892 PMCID: PMC7883712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic not only had an impact on public life and healthcare facilities in general, but also affected established surgical workflows for elective procedures. The strategy to protect patients and healthcare workers from infection by SARS-CoV-2 in surgical departments has needed step-by-step development. Based on the evaluation of international recommendations and guidelines, as well as personal experiences in a clinical 'hot spot' and in a 450-bed surgical clinic, an adapted surgical site infection (SSI) prevention checklist was needed to develop concise instructions, which described roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals that could be used for wider guidance in pandemic conditions. METHOD Publications of COVID-19-related recommendations and guidelines, produced by health authorities and organizations, such as WHO, US-CDC, ECDC, the American College of Surgery and the Robert Koch Institute, were retrieved, assessed and referenced up to 31st January 2020. Additionally, clinical personal experiences in Germany were evaluated and considered. RESULTS Part 1 of this guidance summarizes the experience of a tertiary care, surgical centre which utilized redundant hospital buildings for immediate spatial separation in a 'hot spot' COVID-19 area. Part 2 outlines the successful screening and isolation strategy in a surgical clinic in a region of Germany with outbreaks in surrounding medical centres. Part 3 provides the synopsis of personal experiences and international recommendations suggested for implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION Understanding of COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2-related epidemiology, is constantly and rapidly changing, requiring continuous adaptation and re-evaluation of recommendations. Established national and local guidelines for continuation of surgical services and prevention of SSI require ongoing scrutiny and focused implementation. This manuscript presents a core facility checklist to support medical institutions to continue their clinical and surgical work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Assadian
- Regional Hospital Wiener Neustadt, Austria; Institute for Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, University of Huddersfield, UK
| | - M Golling
- Surgical Clinic I, Diakonie-Klinikum Schwäbisch Hall gGmbH, Germany
| | - C M Krüger
- Immanuel Klinikum Rüdersdorf, Department of Surgery, Center for Robotics, Rüdersdorf b. Berlin, Germany
| | - D Leaper
- Department of Surgery, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Department of Clinical Sciences, ISIaIP, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - N T Mutters
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany; CEOsys Network of the National University Medicine Research Network on Covid-19 (NUM)
| | - B Roth
- Surgical Clinic, District Hospital Belp/Switzerland, FMH for General and Trauma Surgery, Wattenwil, Switzerland
| | - A Kramer
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany; CEOsys Network of the National University Medicine Research Network on Covid-19 (NUM).
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Desai A, Subbiah V. COVID-19 Pandemic and Cancer Clinical Trial Pandemonium: Finding the Silver Lining. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2021; 4:64-66. [PMID: 35663538 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-20-x7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Desai
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of Cancer Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the Lombardy Region, Italy (AIOM-L CORONA): A Multicenter, Observational, Ambispective, Cohort Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061324. [PMID: 33809465 PMCID: PMC7998451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer patients show an increased vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection and may experience severe COVID-19 complications. AIOM-L Corona aimed to assess the prognostic factors associated with outcomes in 231 cancer patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 between March and September 2020 in Lombardy, the most extensively affected Italian region. A total of 93 events occurred. Known risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 remained significant in the study population. Specifically, age ≥60 years, metastases, dyspnea, desaturation, and interstitial pneumonia were all associated with mortality. Notably, metastatic patients receiving systemic active therapy were less likely to die as compared to untreated counterparts, even after adjusting for other confounding variables (Odds Ratio 0.23, 95%CI 0.11–0.51, p < 0.001). While large data sets are needed to confirm these findings, for now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients should avoid exposure or increase their protection to SARS-CoV-2 while treatment adjustments and prioritizing vaccination should adequately be considered. Abstract Cancer patients may be at high risk of infection and poor outcomes related to SARS-CoV-2. Analyzing their prognosis, examining the effects of baseline characteristics and systemic anti-cancer active therapy (SACT) are critical to their management through the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The AIOM-L CORONA was a multicenter, observational, ambispective, cohort study, with the intended participation of 26 centers in the Lombardy region (Italy). A total of 231 cases were included between March and September 2020. The median age was 68 years; 151 patients (62.2%) were receiving SACT, mostly chemotherapy. During a median follow-up of 138 days (range 12–218), 93 events occurred. Age ≥60 years, metastatic dissemination, dyspnea, desaturation, and interstitial pneumonia were all independent mortality predictors. Overall SACT had a neutral effect (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.83, 95%Confidence Interval [95%CI] 0.32–2.15); however, metastatic patients receiving SACT were less likely to die as compared to untreated counterparts, after adjusting for other confounding variables (OR 0.23, 95%CI 0.11–0.51, p < 0.001). Among cancer patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, those with metastases were most at risk of death, especially in the absence of SACT. During the ongoing pandemic, these vulnerable patients should avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2, while treatment adjustments and prioritizing vaccination are being considered according to international recommendations.
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Grossheim L, Ruff P, Ngoma T, Vanderpuye V, Mwango G, Ochieng P, Palmer D, Kouya F, Lasebikan N, Ntekim A, Ngoma M, Bih N, Malloum A, Elzawawy A, Kerr D, Ngwa W. Cancer and COVID-19 Experiences at African Cancer Centers: The Silver Lining. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:410-415. [PMID: 33760639 PMCID: PMC8081519 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer care in Africa, further exposing major health disparities. This paper compares and contrasts the experiences of 15 clinicians in six different African cancer centers to highlight the positive aspects (silver linings) in an otherwise negative situation. METHODS Data are from personal experience of the clinicians working at the six cancer centers blended with what is available in the literature. RESULTS The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care appeared to vary not only across the continent but also over cancer centers. Different factors such as clinic location, services offered, available resources, and level of restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 were associated with these variations. Collectively, delays in treatment and limited access to cancer care were commonly reported in the different regions. CONCLUSION There is a lack of data on cancer patients with COVID-19 and online COVID-19 and cancer registries for Africa. Analysis of the available data, however, suggests a higher mortality rate for cancer patients with COVID-19 compared with those without cancer. Positive or silver linings coming out of the pandemic include the adoption of hypofractionated radiation therapy and teleoncology to enhance access to care while protecting patients and staff members. Increasing collaborations using online technology with oncology health professionals across the world are also being seen as a silver lining, with valuable sharing of experiences and expertise to improve care, enhance learning, and reduce disparities. Advanced information and communication technologies are seen as vital for such collaborations and could avail efforts in dealing with the ongoing pandemic and potential future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Ruff
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Twalib Ngoma
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Center for Radiotherapy, Korlebu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Noella Bih
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - David Kerr
- John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wilfred Ngwa
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Major impact of COVID-19 national containment on activities in the French northern comprehensive cancer center. Med Oncol 2021; 38:28. [PMID: 33595732 PMCID: PMC7887549 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01467-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer patient management. National and local recommendations to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission have been applied in a comprehensive cancer center located in Northern France. We prospectively measured key indicators for three successive eight-week periods: directly before, during, and right after the containment (from 16 March to 10 May 2020). Overall, the number of newly diagnosed and referred cancer patients in our hospital steadily increased (1027; 1135 and then 1704; +11% during containment and +50% just after). To reduce patient transportation, teleconsultations were implemented. Teleconsulting activity steadily increased during the three periods (5, 2025, and 2351). However, a marked decrease in the number of surgical procedures was observed (448; 330 and 288; −26% during containment and −13% just after). We observed a slight decrease in the number of radiation therapy sessions (7761; 7328 and 7075; −6% during containment and −3% just after) and in day-hospital cycles of IV systemic treatment (2891; 2736 and 2717; −5% during containment and −1% just after). We observed an increase in the number of patients admitted to palliative care and a dramatic reduction in clinical trial enrollment. During this 24-week period, organizational changes were mainly characterized by an increase in newly diagnosed cancer patient referral and the implementation of protective measures, such as teleconsultations. Activities in cancer surgery have decreased while radiotherapy and chemotherapy activities were stable.
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Liontos M, Kastritis E, Markellos C, Migkou M, Eleftherakis-Papaiakovou E, Koutsoukos K, Gavriatopoulou M, Zagouri F, Psaltopoulou T, Terpos E, Dimopoulos MA. Continuing Cancer Therapy through the Pandemic While Protecting Our Patients: Results of the Implementation of Preventive Strategies in a Referral Oncology Unit. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:763. [PMID: 33673120 PMCID: PMC7918613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have worse outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality than the general population. Protecting this vulnerable group of patients from COVID-19 is of the utmost importance for the continuous operation of an oncology unit. Preventive strategies have been proposed by various societies, and centers around the world have implemented these or modified measures; however, the efficacy of these measures has not been evaluated. In our center, a referral oncology/hematology unit in Athens, Greece, we implemented strict protective measures from the outset of the pandemic in the country and we have prospectively recorded the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19. Among 11,618 patient visits performed in our unit, 26 patients (case-to-visit ratio of 0.22%) were found positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 4 (1%) among 392 patients that were screened before starting primary systemic treatment. Among patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 22 were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis; subsequently, 12 required hospitalization and 5 died due to COVID-19. Detailed contact tracing indicated that there was no in-unit transmission of the infection. Thus, strict implementation of multilevel protective strategies along with a modestly intense screening program allowed us to continue cancer care in our unit through the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Liontos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens 11528, Greece; (E.K.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (E.E.-P.); (K.K.); (M.G.); (F.Z.); (T.P.); (E.T.); (M.-A.D.)
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Hennessy MA, Linehan A, Cowzer D, Coyne ZL, Fitzpatrick O, Barrett F, Ni Dhonaill R, Hennessy BT, Grogan L, Morris PG, Breathnach OS. Chemotherapy in the Covid-19 era: the patient's perception. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 190:1303-1308. [PMID: 33449325 PMCID: PMC7809239 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-020-02457-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic poses significant challenges for the management of patients with cancer. In our institution, we adapted our delivery of outpatient systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) by introducing a number of ‘risk-reducing’ measures including pre-assessment screening. Aims We sought to evaluate the experience and perceptions of patients with cancer undergoing SACT during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods Patients on SACT during the Covid-19 pandemic were eligible for participation. Data were collected by anonymous survey over a 1 week period during the most intensive phase of government restrictions. Patients were asked questions under three headings: perceived risk of infection exposure, changes to treatment plan and psychological impact of Covid-19. Results One hundred patients were assessed, 60% were male, 41% were > 65 years of age and 67% had advanced cancer. Eleven percent of patients were living alone. Fifty-seven percent reported feeling at increased risk in general of contracting Covid-19. Sixty-eight percent of patients did not feel worried about contracting Covid-19 in the hospital. Ninety-two percent of patients reported wanting to continue on SACT as originally planned. Fifty-eighty percent felt isolated and 40% reported increased anxiety. Conclusion Though patients on active treatment for cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic reported increased anxiety and feelings of isolation due to Covid-19, the majority of patients wanted to continue SACT as originally planned. Patients would benefit from enhanced psycho-oncological supports in the event of a prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve A Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Linehan
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Cowzer
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zachary L Coyne
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Fiona Barrett
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Bryan T Hennessy
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Grogan
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick G Morris
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oscar S Breathnach
- Medical Oncology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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