Prioritization of Proton Patients in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations from The New York Proton Center

Proton radiation therapy patient selection and impacts of COVID-19: A scoping review

This scoping review aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced any modifications to patient selection methods or prioritisation and services provided by proton therapy (PT) centres. This review was conducted based on the PRISMA methodology and Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidelines. A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus, as well as grey literature. Keywords such as "COVID-19" and "Proton Therapy" were used. Articles published from 1 January 2020 in English were included. In total, 138 studies were identified of which 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. A scoping review design was chosen to capture the full extent of information published relating to the aim. Six of 11 articles included statements regarding treatment of COVID-19 patients. Three publications recommended deferred or alternative treatment, two indicated to treat urgent/emergency patients and one reported continuous treatment for infectious patients. Recurring impacts on PT provision included more frequent use of unconventional therapies, reduced referrals, delayed treatment starts and CT simulation, change in treatment target volumes and staffing limitations due to pandemic restrictions. Consequently, telehealth consults, remote work, reduction in patient visitors, screening procedures and rigorous cleaning protocols were recommended. Few publications detailed changes to patient selection or workflow methods during the pandemic. Further research is needed to obtain more detailed information regarding current global patient selection methods in PT, collecting this data could aid in future planning for PT in Australia.

Leading Past COVID-19: An Analysis of Remote Work Now and Beyond

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many cancer centers and clinics deployed remote work options for their employees. Due to the rapid response needed during this crisis, little to no feedback was obtained from dosimetrists. This study aimed to assess the productivity level and job satisfaction of medical dosimetrists in response to changes in working conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the assistance from the Medical Dosimetrists Certification Board (MDCB), critical data was gathered via an original instrument conducted and distributed by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center – School of Health Professions to all current practicing certified medical dosimetrists registered with the MDCB. Data were collected using Qualtrics and analyzed with IBM's SPSS. Most (326, 77.7%) participants indicated they transitioned to a version of remote work due to COVID-19. Almost half of the participants (208, 49.5%) reported increased job satisfaction due to the option to work remotely. The participants reported being extremely satisfied with the individual (247, 58.8%) and department (201, 47.9%) productivity levels even after implementing remote work options. Most participants (225, 53.6%), independent of age and years of experience, would prefer to stay in a hybrid role even after COVID-19 abates. These findings suggest that most dosimetrists prefer to perform their job remotely or asynchronously. A one size fits all job model design may make it difficult for organizations to attract, retain, and grow top dosimetrist. Industry leaders and employers may benefit by embracing this change as dosimetrist may value work-set-up flexibility over other employer-based benefits. Further research is needed to assess the unintended consequences of remote work environments in this profession.

The role transition of radiotherapy for the treatment of liver cancer in the COVID-19 era

The uncontrollable COVID-19 crises in the SARS-CoV-2 high-prevalence areas have greatly disrupted the routine treatment of liver cancer and triggered a role transformation of radiotherapy for liver cancer. The weight of radiotherapy in the treatment algorithm for liver cancer has been enlarged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is helpful for the optimal risk-benefit profile.

Cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic: Choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea

COVID-19 was declared a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" in March 2020. Since then, drastic measures were implemented to reduce the virus spread. These measures prevented cancer patients from receiving prompt medical care. A delay in testing and treating cancer patients is thought to protect them from serious COVID-19 complications but exposes them at the same time to the risk of disease progression and cancer related mortality. Healthcare providers are therefore facing the dilemma of choosing between two unpleasant scenarios. To shed light upon the matter, we present in this review article, based on an extensive search of the literature, an overview of the delay in the management of cancer patients, possible contributors to this delay and its benefits and risks on cancer patients' health.