1
|
Lau N, Zhao X, O'Daffer A, Weissman H, Barton K. Pediatric Cancer Communication on Twitter: Natural Language Processing and Qualitative Content Analysis. JMIR Cancer 2024; 10:e52061. [PMID: 38713506 PMCID: PMC11109854 DOI: 10.2196/52061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter (recently rebranded as "X") was the most widely used social media platform with over 2 million cancer-related tweets. The increasing use of social media among patients and family members, providers, and organizations has allowed for novel methods of studying cancer communication. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine pediatric cancer-related tweets to capture the experiences of patients and survivors of cancer, their caregivers, medical providers, and other stakeholders. We assessed the public sentiment and content of tweets related to pediatric cancer over a time period representative of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS All English-language tweets related to pediatric cancer posted from December 11, 2019, to May 7, 2022, globally, were obtained using the Twitter application programming interface. Sentiment analyses were computed based on Bing, AFINN, and NRC lexicons. We conducted a supplemental nonlexicon-based sentiment analysis with ChatGPT (version 3.0) to validate our findings with a random subset of 150 tweets. We conducted a qualitative content analysis to manually code the content of a random subset of 800 tweets. RESULTS A total of 161,135 unique tweets related to pediatric cancer were identified. Sentiment analyses showed that there were more positive words than negative words. Via the Bing lexicon, the most common positive words were support, love, amazing, heaven, and happy, and the most common negative words were grief, risk, hard, abuse, and miss. Via the NRC lexicon, most tweets were categorized under sentiment types of positive, trust, and joy. Overall positive sentiment was consistent across lexicons and confirmed with supplemental ChatGPT (version 3.0) analysis. Percent agreement between raters for qualitative coding was 91%, and the top 10 codes were awareness, personal experiences, research, caregiver experiences, patient experiences, policy and the law, treatment, end of life, pharmaceuticals and drugs, and survivorship. Qualitative content analysis showed that Twitter users commonly used the social media platform to promote public awareness of pediatric cancer and to share personal experiences with pediatric cancer from the perspective of patients or survivors and their caregivers. Twitter was frequently used for health knowledge dissemination of research findings and federal policies that support treatment and affordable medical care. CONCLUSIONS Twitter may serve as an effective means for researchers to examine pediatric cancer communication and public sentiment around the globe. Despite the public mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall sentiments of pediatric cancer-related tweets were positive. Content of pediatric cancer tweets focused on health and treatment information, social support, and raising awareness of pediatric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lau
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alison O'Daffer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Technology, Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Hannah Weissman
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Krysta Barton
- Biostatistics Epidemiology and Analytics for Research (BEAR) Core, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235954. [PMID: 36497435 PMCID: PMC9735726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235954] [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] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The full impact of COVID-19 infections on patients with cancer who are actively being treated with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has not been fully defined. Our goal was to track clinical outcomes in this specific patient population. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 121 patients (age > 18 years) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from January 2020 to December 2021 with an advanced solid malignancy that were eligible to be treated with ICIs or on current therapy within 12 months of their COVID-19 diagnosis. Results: A total of 121 patients were examined in this study, and 61 (50.4%) received immunotherapy treatment within 12 months. One quarter of the patients on ICIs passed away, compared to 13% of the post-chemotherapy cohort. Patients who were vaccinated for COVID-19 had lower mortality compared to unvaccinated patients (X2 = 15.19, p < 0.001), and patients with lower ECOG (0.98) were associated with lower mortality compared to patients with worse functional status (0.98 vs. 1.52; t = 3.20; p < 0.01). Conclusions: COVID-19-related ICI mortality was higher compared to patients receiving chemotherapy. However, ICI cessation or delay is unwarranted as long there has been a risk−benefit assessment undertaken with the patient.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zekri AR, Ahmed OS, Asem N, Musa S, Ibrahem M, Soliman HK, Hafez MM, Nessim MS, Aboelkasem H, Bahnassy AA. SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Positivity and Seroprevalence among Health Care Workers in a Referral Cancer Institute: A Cross-sectional Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are presumed to be at increased risk of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), transmitting the infection to vulnerable patients if they are not timeously isolated.
AIM: This study aimed to determine the point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of HCWs providing oncology services.
METHODS AND RESULTS: HCWs in a large referral cancer hospital in Egypt were tested using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs, and immunochromatography-based rapid serological test (RST). Clinical and epidemiological data were collected. In 2020, 999 HCWs were screened, of whom 86 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR (8.6%) and 127 subjects were seropositive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by RST (12.8%). Immunoglobulin M seroprevalence demonstrated considerable concordance with RT-PCR positivity (sensitivity 82.14% and specificity 96.71%). Most HCWs (>95%) reported adherence to personal protective equipment. Patient transporters/cleaner were the group with the highest frequency of positive RT-PCR (19%) whereas laboratory and radiology technicians displayed the lowest frequency. Fever, dry cough, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath, fatigue and diarrhea were significantly associated with RT-PCR positivity, with increased likelihood of being positive with the presence of five or six simultaneous symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: The point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in screened HCWs is 8.6% by RT-PCR and seroprevalence is 12.8% by RST. Strict measures should be implemented to minimize transmission within healthcare settings and to the community. Our data support the importance of HCWs screening for SARS-CoV-2, taking in account the significant proportion of asymptomatic carriers.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted several institutions to offer free, dedicated websites and tools to foster research and access to urgently needed innovative solutions by facilitating the search and analysis of information within the large amount of scientific and patent literature which was published since January 2020. This situation is clearly exceptional and challenging for patent information users searching for relevant disclosures at a given date in a reliable manner. This article provides an overview of search criteria and strategies, main databases and websites, number of publications, biological sequence information and experimental data sets covering COVID-19 findings within scientific and patent literature have been disclosed between January and August 2020. The analysis of non-patent literature has been focused on the identification, date assignment, disambiguation, and access to experimental data. The analysis of patent literature has been focused on the trends found within the earliest filed and published patent documents in representative jurisdictions worldwide. Some practical advice and strategies for technical, medical, or patentability assessment of COVID-19-related innovations across different information formats and resources are proposed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Umar S, Chybisov A, McComb K, Nyongesa C, Mugo-Sitati C, Bosire A, Muya C, Leach CR. COVID-19 and Access to Cancer Care in Kenya: Patient Perspective. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:1497-1503. [PMID: 34927724 PMCID: PMC9303218 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33910] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID‐19 disruptions severely impacted access to health services for noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, but few studies have examined patient perspectives of COVID‐19‐induced barriers to care in low/middle‐income countries. Data come from a survey completed online, over the phone or in person of 284 adult people with cancer in Kenya. One‐third (36%) of participants had primary or no education and 34% had some or complete secondary education. Half of the participants (49%) were aged 40 to 59, 21% were 18 to 39 and 23% were 60 or older. Two‐thirds were female (65%) and most visited a national referral hospital in Nairobi to receive care (84%). Mean travel time to Nairobi from the respondent county of residence was 2.47 hours (±2.73). Most participants reported decreased household income (88%) and were worried about their ability to afford cancer treatment due to COVID‐19 (79%). After covariate adjustment, participants who lost access to hospitals due to COVID‐19 travel restrictions were 15 times more likely to experience a cancer care delay (OR = 14.90, 95% CI: 7.44‐29.85) compared to those with continued access to hospitals. Every additional hour of travel time to Nairobi from their county of residence resulted in a 20% increase in the odds of a cancer care delay (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.36). Transportation needs and uninterrupted access to cancer care and medicines should be accounted for in COVID‐19 mitigation strategies. These strategies include permits for cancer patients and caregivers to travel past curfew time or through block posts to receive care during lockdowns, cash assistance and involving patient navigators to improve patient communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Umar
- Office of Research and Implementation, American Cancer Society, Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Andriy Chybisov
- Office of Research and Implementation, American Cancer Society, Inc., Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kristie McComb
- Office of Research and Implementation, American Cancer Society, Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Muya
- Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Corinne R Leach
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fathi M, Vakili K, Jazi K, Sadeghi MA, Hajiesmaeili M, Mohamadkhani A, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Tavasol A. Challenges of cancer immunotherapy and chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. TUMORI JOURNAL 2021; 108:407-419. [PMID: 34918602 DOI: 10.1177/03008916211063939] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
People at high risk of morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including patients dealing with malignancies and patients on immunosuppressive anticancer therapies, need to be followed carefully as the pandemic continues. Challenges in continuing cancer management and patient monitoring are of concern given the importance of timing in cancer therapy. Alternative treatment decisions and priorities are also important considerations. The efficacy and safety of various cancer treatments in patients with COVID-19 are other important considerations. In this systematic review, we summarize the potential risks and benefits of cancer treatments applied to patients with COVID-19 and malignant tumors. Using the PubMed and Scopus databases, we reviewed studies involving cancer therapy and COVID-19 to address the recent discoveries and related challenges of cancer therapy in patients with COVID-19 and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Jazi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Qom, Qom, Iran
| | | | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohamadkhani
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arian Tavasol
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on care of melanoma patients in Berlin, Germany: the Mela-COVID survey. Eur J Dermatol 2021; 31:521-529. [PMID: 36094385 PMCID: PMC8572687 DOI: 10.1684/ejd.2021.4098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic imposes major challenges for care of cancer patients. Objectives Our aim was to assess the effects of the pandemic on treatment and appointments of patients with malignant melanoma based on a large skin cancer centre in Berlin, Germany, and identify reasons for, and impact factors associated with these changes. Materials & Methods Patients with melanoma treated from January 1st 2019 received a postal survey with questions on impairment due to the pandemic, fear of COVID-19, fear of melanoma, changes in therapy and/or appointments, including reasons for the changes. Impact factors on postponed/missed appointments were examined using descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Results The response rate was 41.3% (n = 324; 57.4% males; mean age: 67.9 years). Among 104 participants currently receiving therapy, four (3.8%) reported treatment changes due to the pandemic. Postponements or cancellations of appointments occurred in 48 participants (14.8%), most frequently, at their own request (81.3%) due to fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection (68.8%). Current treatment was associated with a reduced chance of postponing/missing appointments (OR = 0.208, p = 0.003), whereas a high or very high level of concern for COVID-19 (OR = 6.806, p = 0.034; OR = 10.097, p = 0.038), SARS-CoV-2 infection among close acquaintances (OR = 4.251, p = 0.026), anxiety disorder (OR = 5.465, p = 0.016) and AJCC stage IV (OR = 3.108, p = 0.048) were associated with a higher likelihood of postponing/missing appointments. Conclusion Among our participants, treatment changes were rare and the proportion of missed/delayed appointments was rather small. The main reasons for delays/cancellations of appointments were anxiety and concern for COVID-19. Supplementary data Supplementary data associated with this article can be found, in the online version, at doi:10.1684/ejd.2021.4098. Table S1. Disease and treatment characteristics and their association with postponed/missed appointments. Table S2. Treatment changes or postponement due to the pandemic. Table S3. Comorbidities and their association with postponed/missed appointments. Fig. S1. Number of new SARS-CoV-2 infections per day in Germany and Berlin between February 1st 2020 and July 1st 2020.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sathiyaraj A, Lopez H, Surapaneni R. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine for prechemotherapy evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1593-1600. [PMID: 33631995 PMCID: PMC7909235 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This project aims to address the question of whether patients were satisfied with using a video visit for prechemotherapy evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods & materials: This project used a survey tool with patients undergoing prechemotherapy evaluation that was administered at the time of chemotherapy; 70 surveys were collected. Descriptive statistics of survey questions are presented. Results: 73% of patients reported satisfaction with their video visit experience. 65% of patients reported that they prefer in-person visits as their preferred choice for prechemotherapy evaluation. Conclusion: Patient satisfaction was favorable, but not consistent with results from prior published studies. Patients also mostly preferred an in-person visit for prechemotherapy evaluation. Further research is needed to determine patient attitudes to telemedicine for different types of consultations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajithraj Sathiyaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
| | - Hannah Lopez
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
| | - Rakesh Surapaneni
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bui ATN, Tyan K, Giobbie-Hurder A, Klein IA, Manos MP, Zubiri L, Reynolds K, Grover S, Weinhouse GL, Ott PA, LeBoeuf NR, Rahma O. Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Cancer Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2021; 4:35-44. [PMID: 35663537 PMCID: PMC9153254 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-20-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate the impact of Sars-Cov-2 infection on mortality and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) toxicity in patients with cancer receiving ICIs compared to those not receiving ICIs. Methods We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of 25 patients receiving ICIs within 1 year of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis between March 20, 2020, and June 3, 2020, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Mass General Brigham. Cases were matched 1:1 with controls based on age, sex, and anticancer therapy within the prior 6 months. Results Seven of 25 (28%) patients receiving ICIs died from COVID-19 as compared with nine of 25 (36%) controls. Through multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, and anticancer therapy, ICI use was not associated with increased risk for COVID-19 death (OR [odds ratio] 0.36, 95% CI 0.07-1.87). Determinants of mortality included age (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 12.26, 95% CI 1.76-85.14). Statin use was protective against mortality (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.63). Two patients experienced persistent immune-related adverse events (irAEs) (hypophysitis); one had new-onset irAE (hypothyroidism) during their COVID-19 course. Patients with ICIs had significantly higher platelet (p = 0.017) and D-dimer (p = 0.037) levels. Elevated troponin levels (p = 0.01) were associated with COVID-19 death in patients using ICI. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence to conclude COVID-19-related outcomes are associated with ICIs, and we did not observe an increased risk of COVID-19-related death associated with ICIs. The potential protective effect of statin therapy and role of laboratory biomarkers warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anita Giobbie-Hurder
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isaac A. Klein
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael P. Manos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leyre Zubiri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kerry Reynolds
- Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shilpa Grover
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerald L. Weinhouse
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick A. Ott
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole R. LeBoeuf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Osama Rahma
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu H, Yang D, Chen X, Sun Z, Zou Y, Chen C, Sun S. The effect of anticancer treatment on cancer patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med 2021; 10:1043-1056. [PMID: 33381923 PMCID: PMC7897967 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between cancer and COVID-19 has been revealed during the pandemic. Some anticancer treatments have been reported to have negative influences on COVID-19-infected patients while other studies did not support this hypothesis. METHODS A literature search was conducted in WOS, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and VIP between Dec 1, 2019 and Sept 23, 2020 for studies on anticancer treatments in patients with COVID-19. Cohort studies involving over 20 patients with cancer were included. The characteristics of the patients and studies, treatment types, mortality, and other additional outcomes were extracted and pooled for synthesis. RRs and forest plots were adopted to present the results. The literature quality and publication bias were assessed using NOS and Egger's test, respectively. RESULTS We analyzed the data from 29 studies, with 5121 cancer patients with COVID-19 meeting the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in mortality between patients receiving anticancer treatment and those not (RR 1.17, 95%CI: 0.96-1.43, I2 =66%, p = 0.12). Importantly, in patients with hematological malignancies, chemotherapy could markedly increase the mortality (RR 2.68, 95% CI: 1.90-3.78, I2 =0%, p < 0.00001). In patients with solid tumors, no significant differences in mortality were observed (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.57-2.36, I2 =72%, p = 0.67). In addition, our analysis revealed that anticancer therapies had no effects on the ICU admission rate (RR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.70-1.09, I2 =25%, p = 0.23), the severe rate (RR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.95-1.13, I2 =31%, p = 0.42), or respiratory support rate (RR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.70-1.21, I2 =32%, p = 0.55) in COVID-19-infected patients with cancer. Notably, patients receiving surgery had a higher rate of respiratory support than those without any antitumor treatment (RR 1.87, 95%CI: 1.02-3.46, I2 =0%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS No significant difference was seen in any anticancer treatments in the solid tumor subgroup. Chemotherapy, however, will lead to higher mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Multicenter, prospective studies are needed to re-evaluate the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiPR China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of CardiologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiPR China
| | - Xinyue Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiPR China
| | - Zhihong Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiPR China
| | - Yutong Zou
- Department of Laboratory MedicinePeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical SciencesDongcheng DistrictBeijingPR China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiPR China
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubeiPR China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nnaji CA, Moodley J. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnosis, treatment and research in African health systems: a review of current evidence and contextual perspectives. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1170. [PMID: 33680084 PMCID: PMC7929764 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has immensely disrupted health care services globally. The pandemic has been particularly disruptive for cancer services and more so in low-resource settings. In this narrative review, we highlight the reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and research across the African continent. We also explore ways in which identified structural and contextual constraints can be navigated for the re-escalation of oncological activities, while discussing how the pandemic has necessitated the reimagination of how oncology services can be delivered now and in the future. We conducted a literature search of MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Scopus for relevant articles and synthesised the findings thematically. In spite of the dearth of data, available evidence suggests a substantial impact of the pandemic on the various aspects of cancer management in African countries. Aggravating factors include pre-existing health system and cancer management gaps in many countries within the region, which are typically faced with inadequate availability of oncology resources, oncologists and other vital resources; in addition to the acute and lingering consequences of social distancing, movement restrictions and other public health measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus. As the pandemic evolves and movement restrictions are eased, there is a need for the timely and safe return to normal oncological care. This will require a risk-adjusted and multidisciplinary approach, with the aim of mitigating the further impact of the disruption on cancer patients, their families and healthcare providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chukwudi A Nnaji
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town; Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.,Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town; Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.,Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Senapati J, Aggarwal M, Louis L, Mirza SA, Kumar P, Dhawan R, Dass J, Vishwanathan GK, Pandey HC, Coshic P, Tyagi S, Seth T, Mahapatra M. Transfusion practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: An experience from a hematology daycare in India. Transfus Apher Sci 2020; 60:103025. [PMID: 33353804 PMCID: PMC7690339 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2020.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has in multiple ways affected healthcare delivery to non−COVID patients throughout the world. Adequate transfusion services are fundamental in ongoing therapy of patients with hematological ailments. We present the transfusion services in the hematology daycare under the department of Hematology and supported by the Blood Bank at our institution for the period 12th April 2020−30th June 2020, which saw the stringent lockdown and unlocking Phase I in India, declared in lieu of the pandemic. A 56 % reduction in total transfusion sessions was observed in 2020 (588 sessions given to 176 patients) compared to 1336 sessions in 516 patients over the same period in 2019. The reductions were seen across the different blood components (packed red blood cells [PRBC]: 585 vs. 1840, platelet rich plasma: 372 vs. 1313, single donor platelet 18 vs. 16), with a significant reduction in the mean PRBC transfused per PRBC transfusion session (1.11 vs 1.99, p<0.001) in 2020, compared to 2019. There were however no major differences in the transfusion practices across the different phases of the lockdown. Our study highlights the detrimental reduction in transfusion services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown and showcases the remedial strategies taken to maximize transfusion support to patients during this period. Our observations might help to provide insights to adequately combat possible similar adverse situations in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mukul Aggarwal
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Liji Louis
- Haematology Day Care, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Saleem A Mirza
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Rishi Dhawan
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Jasmita Dass
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | | | - Hem Chandra Pandey
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Poonam Coshic
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Seema Tyagi
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Tulika Seth
- Department of Hematology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kochbati L, Vanderpuye V, Moujahed R, Rejeb MB, Naimi Z, Olasinde T. Cancer care and COVID-19: tailoring recommendations for the African radiation oncology context. Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1144. [PMID: 33343703 PMCID: PMC7738267 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa is the second most populous continent after Asia comprising 54 countries. Given the healthcare system deficiencies in Africa, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was expected to be disastrous. The first case of COVID-19 on the continent was reported in Egypt on 14 February 2020. By 13 May, cases had been reported in all 54 countries. Several practice guidelines specific to radiation oncology departments have been published, including prioritisation criteria for postponing radiotherapy, continuation of treatment, hypofractionation or even omitting radiotherapy. The oncology community in Africa has suddenly needed to protect both patients and caregivers and to ensure continuity of essential clinical services despite several challenges. Considering equipment unavailability, lack of human resources and poor infrastructure, tailoring COVID-19 pandemic management to the African context seems mandatory and a unified approach to guideline development in this context is encouraged. In this article, we discuss contextual issues coming into play, highlighting steps to be taken by radiotherapy centres in Africa to mitigate fallouts from the current pandemic to ensure the safety of our patients and staff as well as the impact on future care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lotfi Kochbati
- Radiotherapy department, Abderrahman Mami Hospital 2090, El Manar University. Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Center for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, PO Box KB369, Ghana
| | - Rim Moujahed
- Radiotherapy department, Abderrahman Mami Hospital 2090, El Manar University. Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Ben Rejeb
- Radiotherapy department, Abderrahman Mami Hospital 2090, El Manar University. Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Zeineb Naimi
- Radiotherapy department, Abderrahman Mami Hospital 2090, El Manar University. Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Tajudeen Olasinde
- Ahmadu Bello University / Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Damani A, Ghoshal A, Salins N, Bhatnagar S, Sanghavi PR, Viswanath V, Ostwal S, Chinchalkar G, Vallath N. Approaches and Best Practices for Managing Cancer Pain within the Constraints of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India. Indian J Palliat Care 2020; 26:S106-S115. [PMID: 33088099 PMCID: PMC7535004 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_216_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic that has impacted the entire world. The Indian government has responded strongly and very stringently to the crisis, through a nationwide lockdown. The health-care (HC) systems in the country are striving hard to maintain equitable care across illness spectra, while responding the emergencies imposed by the COVID-19 crisis. Under these circumstances, guidelines for managing several diseases including that for cancer care have been modified. As modified guidelines for cancer care have their focus on disease management, cancer pain management and maintaining continuity of care for patients with advanced progressive disease have taken a backseat in the available cancer care guidelines. This article describes the challenges, approaches to solutions with evidence-based practices that can be utilized to ensure competent management of cancer pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. It provides an overview of adapting to telehealth consultations for identification, evaluation and management of cancer pain, safe and rational use of analgesics and adjuvant drugs, recognizing and responding to holistic care needs and addressing the total pain, ensuring continuity of pain management, and strategies when complying with narcotic drug regulations, while ensuring safety of patients and HC providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Damani
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arunangshu Ghoshal
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Onco- Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Priti R Sanghavi
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Vidya Viswanath
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Aganampudi, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shrenik Ostwal
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Andul Road, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Gauraiya Chinchalkar
- Consultant, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Nandini Vallath
- Palliative Care Consultant-BARC Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Palliative Care Consultant and Director-Quality Improvement Hub-India, National Cancer Grid, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Haradaa G, Antonacio FF, Gongora AB, Behar MH, Capareli FC, Bastos DA, Munhoz RR, Costa FP, Jardim DL, Arrais-Rodrigues C, Novis Y, Katz A, de Castro Junior G. SARS-CoV-2 testing for asymptomatic adult cancer patients before initiating systemic treatments: a systematic review. Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1100. [PMID: 33082850 PMCID: PMC7532035 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer patients may have a higher risk of severe events and unfavourable outcomes in the setting of COVID-19. This review addresses the question of whether to test asymptomatic cancer patients before initiating systemic cancer treatments. Methods This systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA framework. Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched, as well as guidelines from international institutions involved in cancer care and COVID-19 research. Studies published in English, from 1 December 2019 to 27 May 2020 were considered eligible. We included studies which mentioned testing strategies for SARS-CoV-2 of asymptomatic cancer patients before starting immunosuppressive treatments. Results We identified 1,163 studies and 4 guidelines through the literature search. A total of 18 articles were considered eligible and were included in the final analysis. Two articles were cohort studies, and the remaining were expert consensuses and published guidelines. The most common recommendation among the studies in this systematic review was to test asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to treatment. Conclusion There is a lack of studies which directly address COVID-19 testing of asymptomatic patients before treatment. Our systematic review showed that most of the published data favours routine test for SARS-CoV-2 before initiating systemic treatment but failed to identify a good level of evidence to support these recommendations. Based upon this review, we proposed local recommendations at our centre. Each institution should consider the pros and cons of testing asymptomatic patients, evaluating accessibility to testing resources and local epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda F Antonacio
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Aline Bl Gongora
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Marina H Behar
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Fernanda C Capareli
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Diogo A Bastos
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Rodrigo R Munhoz
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Frederico P Costa
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Denis L Jardim
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Celso Arrais-Rodrigues
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Yana Novis
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Artur Katz
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| | - Gilberto de Castro Junior
- Oncology Centre, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 91, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil.,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-3251
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Broom A, Kenny K, Page A, Cort N, Lipp ES, Tan AC, Ashley DM, Walsh KM, Khasraw M. The Paradoxical Effects of COVID-19 on Cancer Care: Current Context and Potential Lasting Impacts. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5809-5813. [PMID: 32816894 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has fundamentally disrupted the practice of oncology, shifting care onto virtual platforms, rearranging the logistics and economics of running a successful clinical practice and research, and in some contexts, redefining what treatments patients with cancer should and can receive. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the implications for patients with cancer in terms of their vulnerability to the virus and potential exposure in healthcare settings. But little emphasis has been placed on the significant, and potentially enduring, consequences of COVID-19 for how cancer care is delivered. In this article, we outline the importance of a focus on the effects of COVID-19 for oncology practice during and potentially after the pandemic, focusing on key shifts that are already evident, including: the pivot to online consultations, shifts in access to clinical trial and definitions of "essential care," the changing economics of practice, and the potential legacy effects of rapidly implemented changes in cancer care. COVID-19 is reshaping oncology practice, clinical trials, and delivery of cancer care broadly, and these changes might endure well beyond the short- to mid-term of the active pandemic. Therefore, shifts in practice brought about by the pandemic must be accompanied by improved training and awareness, enhanced infrastructure, and evidence-based support if they are to harness the positives and offset the potential negative consequences of the impacts of COVID-19 on cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Broom
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Kenny
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Page
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Cort
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Eric S Lipp
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron C Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Ashley
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Okeke M, Oderinde O, Liu L, Kabula D. Oncology and COVID-19: Perspectives on cancer patients and oncologists in Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 14:100550. [PMID: 32835064 PMCID: PMC7298482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2020.100550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The global communities have been grappling with health pandemics for months since the outbreak of COVID-19, which has been flagged a global health emergency by World Health Organisation, WHO. While the entire health sector has been overburdened, cancer patients are also at a high risk of getting infected during this COVID-19 pandemic; hence, there is a great concern for these patients because there is little to no data to support their management with the current health care structure in Africa. This article outlines the challenges that frontline health workers face in the management of cancer patients, as the entire health sector calls for effective policy formulation and implementation by the government in their role in ensuring the sound health of their citizenry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Okeke
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao Campus, No. 87, Dingjiaoqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - O Oderinde
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus, Jiangning District, 211189 Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - L Liu
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao Campus, No. 87, Dingjiaoqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - D Kabula
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24, Tongjia Lane, Zhongyang Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shirke MM, Shaikh SA, Harky A. Tele-oncology in the COVID-19 Era: The Way Forward? Trends Cancer 2020; 6:547-549. [PMID: 32487487 PMCID: PMC7250759 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the care of cancer patients. Thus, tele-oncology has become a necessity to improve cancer care. Several organisations have issued guidelines for its use during COVID-19. Despite certain shortcomings, tele-oncology has great potential to help cancer patients during COVID-19 and in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Mahesh Shirke
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, School of Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | - Safwan Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, School of Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|