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Leggett H, Vinall-Collier K, Csikar J, Barber S, Carr R, Bhatti A, Pavitt S. Legacy lessons from the COVID-19 era to improve trial participation and retention: Views from trial participants, PPIE contributors and trial staff across the NIHR portfolio. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296343. [PMID: 38381743 PMCID: PMC10880997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the delivery of healthcare research. Covid-19 research was prioritised and many non-essential trials were paused. This study explores the engagement experiences of trial participants', PPIE contributors' and trial staff during the Covid-19 pandemic and towards recovery and restoring a diverse and balanced UK clinical trials portfolio. METHODS Interviews and focus groups were undertaken with PPIE contributors, trial participants and trial staff members from NIHR research trials across the UK (November 2020-June 2021) across portfolio specialities: Cancer, Oral and Dental Health, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cardiovascular Disease, Neurological Disorders, Primary Care, and Conditions associated with susceptibility to Covid-19 (Diabetes, Stroke, Respiratory Disorders). Topic guides were developed for each participant group and interviews were conducted over Zoom. The transcripts were analysed using codebook thematic analysis in NVivo (V.12). RESULTS 106 participants comprising, 45 PPIE contributors, 27 trial participants and 34 trial staff members were recruited. Three themes to engagement with trials during Covid-19 were developed. 1) Ensuring continued contact. Continued and tailored communication, having a trial point of contact and regular updates all enhanced trial engagement and retention. Patients' unfamiliarity with materials being sent electronically reduced engagement and trust. 2) A balanced move to remote consultations. Remote follow-up and monitoring were convenient and allowed for wider recruitment across the UK. Participants were more likely to discuss personal subjects in their own homes. Remote visits lacked a personal touch, some concerns over missed diagnoses or being unable to appreciate the situation, technical abilities or equipment failures were seen as barriers, especially for disadvantaged or older people. 3) The importance of feeling fully informed. Factors that supported attendance were knowledge about trial conduct adherence to Covid-19 regulations, social distancing, clear signage at the site and opportunities to ask questions. Barriers included not knowing what to expect and not feeling safe with rules and regulations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight a number of ways to future proof trial delivery against future pandemics or disruptions such as offering online options to participate in research, ensuring consistent communication between participants and the research team, making sure participants feel fully informed and the continued reassurance of safety in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Leggett
- York Trials Unit, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julia Csikar
- School of Dentistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sophy Barber
- School of Dentistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Carr
- York Trials Unit, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Amrit Bhatti
- School of Dentistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Pavitt
- School of Dentistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Lu H, Wang Y, Feng G, Shen C, Zhou X, Han J. The effect of the earliest COVID-19 outbreak on survival in uninfected advanced NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy in Jiangsu Province, China: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34559. [PMID: 37773874 PMCID: PMC10545141 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still rampant and uncontrolled across the globe. China's strict epidemic prevention measures have had an impact on the treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the uninfected NSCLC patients. The chemotherapeutic efficacy and survival of 89 uninfected advanced NSCLC patients were retrospectively analyzed. The endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and response rate. Forty and forty-nine patients with advanced NSCLC received chemotherapy during the COVID-19 outbreak and nonoutbreak periods, respectively. Mean delay time was 12.8 months for COVID-19 outbreak stage versus 5.68 months for nonoutbreak stage (P = .003). There was no significant difference in the rates of chemotherapy delay and discontinuation between the 2 groups (P = .055 and .239). Significant difference was not detected in median OS (15.8 months) for COVID-19 outbreak stage versus 16.0 months for nonoutbreak stage (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.058; 95% confidence interval, 0.593-1.888; P = .849); Median PFS was 7.9 months for COVID-19 outbreak stage versus 10.3 months for nonoutbreak stage (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.878; 95% confidence interval 0.513-1.503; P = .634). There was also no statistical difference in the disease control rate between the 2 groups (P = .137). The earliest COVID-19 outbreak had no significant impact on the PFS and OS in uninfected advanced NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy. However, the mean delay time of receiving chemotherapy was prolonged during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoqiang Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaoyan Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingqin Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Velasco Yanez R, Frota Goyanna N, Carvalho Fernandes A, Moura Barbosa Castro R, Holanda da Cunha G, Silva Ferreira I, Miranda Mattos S, Magalhães Moreira T. Palliative Care in Breast Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:351-364. [PMID: 35581537 PMCID: PMC9127630 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221101879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed the provision of palliative care (PC) services for women with breast cancer due to all the restrictions that came along with the virus. OBJECTIVE To map the available evidence on the situation of PC in breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A scoping review was carried out based on the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search was conducted in nine databases, one electronic repository, and one library, using controlled vocabularies. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles and seven documents were included. The majority (11.4% each) were published in the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States, 38.9% addressed palliative radiotherapy (RT), and 47.2% consisted of recommendations. From the content analysis, five categories were obtained focused on the recommendations on changes in palliative treatment guidelines and the response of PC teams to the evolving crisis. CONCLUSIONS The evidence pointed to the management of general PC, palliative RT, palliative chemotherapy, management of metastatic breast cancer, and use of technologies in palliative care. No recommendations were found to manage frequent symptoms in PC, indicating the need to develop primary studies that investigate these aspects in detail in this vulnerable group. IMPLICATIONS The results contained in this document can provide professionals working in this field of care with a global view of how other teams have dealt with the pandemic, thereby identifying the best guidelines to apply in their reality, taking into account the clinical and social situation of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romel Velasco Yanez
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil,Romel Velasco Yanez, Department of Nursing, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 1115 Alexandre Baraúna St, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil.
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Dragoni M, Eccher C, Ferro A, Bailoni T, Maimone R, Zorzi A, Bacchiega A, Stulzer G, Ghidini C. Supporting patients and clinicians during the breast cancer care path with AI: The Arianna solution. Artif Intell Med 2023; 138:102514. [PMID: 36990591 DOI: 10.1016/j.artmed.2023.102514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The onset of cancer disease is a traumatic experience for both patients and their families that suddenly change the patient's life and is accompanied by important physical, emotional, and psycho-social problems. The complexity of this scenario has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which dramatically affected the continuity of the provision of optimal care to chronic patients. Telemedicine can support the management of oncology care paths by furnishing a suite of effective and efficient tools to monitor the therapies of cancer patients. In particular, this is a suitable setting for therapies that are administered at home. In this paper, we present an AI-based system, called Arianna, designed and implemented to support and monitor patients treated by the professionals belonging to the Breast Cancer Unit Network (BCU-Net) along the entire clinical path of breast cancer treatment. We describe in this work the three modules composing the Arianna system (the tools for patients and clinicians, and the symbolic AI-based module). The system has been validated in a qualitative way and we demonstrated how the Arianna solution reached a high level of acceptability by all types of end-users by making it suitable for a concrete integration into the daily practice of the BCU-Net.
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5
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Stanizzo MR, Castelli L, Di Nardo C, Brunetti M, De Sanctis C, Ghiggia A. Psychological Distress in Breast Cancer Patients during the Italian COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11433. [PMID: 36141706 PMCID: PMC9517421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergency caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exacerbated psychological distress. Our aim was to investigate the impact of breast cancer on patients' lives during the Italian lockdown. METHODS Sixty-five female breast cancer patients were studied, assessing the level of psychological distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the impact of the cancer diagnosis (Impact of Event Scale-Revised-IES-R). In addition, we compared these data with a matched group of breast cancer patients enrolled in 2019. RESULTS Patients enrolled in 2020 had statistically higher levels of anxious symptomatology and higher levels of traumatic symptomatology due to the cancer diagnosis. A mediation analysis was performed to determine how the experience of distress due to COVID-19 negatively impacted the level of anxiety and amplified the impact of the diagnosis with a significant increase in traumatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Considering the vulnerability of these patients and the serious and novel situation that the healthcare system is currently facing, we would like to point out the importance of structured and organised psychological support for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Stanizzo
- Breast Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Unit, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Nardo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Brunetti
- Breast Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Corrado De Sanctis
- Breast Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ada Ghiggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
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Supriati L, Sudiana IK, Nihayati HE, Ahsan, Rodli M, Kapti RE. Perspective of Uncertainty and Emotional Responses in Breast Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. SAGE Open Nurs 2022; 8:23779608221124294. [PMID: 36090540 PMCID: PMC9459494 DOI: 10.1177/23779608221124294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer is a chronic disease that has implications for many aspects of the patient's life. Contracting the COVID-19 virus places cancer patients at a higher risk of infection. This condition triggers uncertainty which causes emotional responses. Objective The aim of this study was to measure the relationship between the uncertainty perspective of breast cancer patients and emotional responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study used an observational study with a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from May to December 2021. The total sample of this study was 110 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Army Hospital of Dr. Soepraeon Malang, Indonesia. We used purposive sampling. The questionnaire used was a modified questionnaire from the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, a modified questionnaire from the Concerns about Recurrence Questionnaire, a modified questionnaire from the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale, and a modified questionnaire from the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS with a Spearman correlation test. Results The mean uncertainty of the respondents was 75.98 or in the moderate category, emotional response was moderate fear with a mean score of 18.40, the average anxiety score was 41.05 or normal, and the mean depression score was 15.96 or low depression. In addition, there was a significant relationship between uncertainty and the emotional response among breast cancer patients in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < .05). Conclusion This study showed that there was a relationship between uncertainty and emotional response among breast cancer patients. It is important for nurses to provide good information about the disease among patients by using therapeutic communication and paying attention to the negative emotional responses of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilik Supriati
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia,Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia,Lilik Supriati, Faculty of Nursing,
Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia.
| | - I Ketut Sudiana
- Medicine Faculty, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Hanik Endang Nihayati
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia,Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Ahsan
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Rodli
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Rinik Eko Kapti
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
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Hu X, Fang H, Wang P. Facing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Can We Allocate Outpatient Doctor Resources More Effectively? Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:184. [PMID: 36006276 PMCID: PMC9416261 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080184] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant damage to global healthcare systems. Previous studies regarding COVID-19’s impact on outpatient numbers focused only on a specific department, lacking research data for multiple departments in general hospitals. We assessed differences in COVID-19’s impact on outpatient numbers for different departments to help hospital managers allocate outpatient doctor resources more effectively during the pandemic. We compared the outpatient numbers of 24 departments in a general hospital in Beijing in 2019 and 2020. We also examined an indicator not mentioned in previous studies, monthly departmental patient reservation rates. The results show that, compared with 2019, 2020 outpatient numbers decreased overall by 33.36%. Ten departments’ outpatient numbers decreased >33.36%; however, outpatient numbers increased in two departments. In 2020, the overall patient reservation rate in 24 departments was 82.22% of the 2019 reservation rate; the rates in 14 departments were <82.22%. Moreover, patient reservation rates varied across different months. Our research shows that COVID-19’s impact on different departments also varied. Additionally, our research suggests that well-known departments will be less affected by COVID-19, as will departments related to tumor treatment, where there may also be an increase in patient numbers. Patient reservation rates are an indicator worthy of attention. We suggest that hospital managers classify departments according to changes in outpatient numbers and patient reservation rates and adopt accurate, dynamic, and humanized management strategies to allocate outpatient doctor resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ping Wang
- Medical Affairs Department, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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8
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Duarte MB, Argenton JL, Carvalheira JB. Impact of COVID-19 in Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening and Systemic Treatment in São Paulo, Brazil: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100371. [PMID: 35696624 PMCID: PMC9225667 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 caused a disruption in cancer management around the world, resulting in an estimated excess burden secondary to screening disruption and excess lag time for treatment initiation. METHODS We gathered information from primary reimbursement data sets of the public health system of São Paulo, Brazil, from April 2020 to November 2021, and compared these data with those of the pre–COVID-19 period. We used an interrupted time series model to estimate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of key procedures of breast and cervical cancer health care chain. RESULTS We estimated that 1,149,727, 2,693, and 713,616 pap smears, conizations, and mammograms, respectively, were missed or delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with those in the years immediately before the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions. Specifically, we observed an acute decrease of procedures after the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, with a trend to recovery in the long term. Regarding the systemic treatment analysis, we observed a 25% reduction in the rate of initiation of adjuvant systemic treatment for early breast cancer (stage I/II). However, we did not find a clear effect on the other settings of systemic treatment for breast cancer. We estimated an excess of 156 patients starting palliative care for cervical cancer after the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the performance rate of pap smears, conizations, and mammograms. The initiation of adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer was most susceptible to COVID-19's health system disruption. Furthermore, the downward trend of treatment of advanced cervical cancer was interrupted. Therefore, public health policies are urgently needed to decrease the incidence of advanced cervical and breast cancers caused by delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. The COVID-19 control policies resulted in reduction of cancer patients' delivery of care. This study evaluated the pandemic's influence in key procedures of breast and cervical cancer chain of care in São Paulo, Brazil. We observed a substantial reduction in the number of mammograms, pap smears, and conizations performed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, stage I and II breast cancer adjuvant treatment presented a reduced realization rate, whereas palliative treatment delivered for advanced cervical cancer increased. Our results support the need for public health policies focused on mitigating the long-term effects of COVID-19 in cancer-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus B.O. Duarte
- Division of Oncology, Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Uberlândia Cancer Hospital, Federal University of Uberlândia, UFU, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana L.P. Argenton
- Fundação de Desenvolvimento da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (FUNCAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José B.C. Carvalheira
- Division of Oncology, Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lugli G, Ottaviani MM, Botta A, Ascione G, Bruschi A, Cagnazzo F, Zammarchi L, Romagnani P, Portaluri T. The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Healthcare Provision in Italy to non-COVID Patients: a Systematic Review. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2022; 14:e2022012. [PMID: 35070219 PMCID: PMC8746940 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2022.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italy has been one of the countries most affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and the regional healthcare system has had to quickly adapt its organization to meet the needs of infected patients. This has led to a drastic change in the routine management of non-communicable diseases with a potential long-term impact on patient health care. Therefore, we investigated the management of non-COVID-19 patients across all medical specialities in Italy. METHODS A PRISMA guideline-based systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, restricting the search to the main outbreak period in Italy (from February 20 to June 25 2020). We selected articles in English or Italian that detailed changes in the Italian hospital care for non-COVID-19 patients due to the pandemic. Our keywords included all medical specialities combined with our geographical focus (Italy) and COVID-19. RESULTS Of the 4643 potentially eligible studies identified by the search, 247 were included. A decrease in the management of emergencies in non-COVID patients was found together with an increase in mortality. Similarly, non-deferrable conditions met a tendency toward decreased diagnosis. All specialities have been affected by the re-organization of healthcare provision in the hub-and-spoke system and have benefited from telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS Our work highlights the changes in the Italian public healthcare system to tackle the developing health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of our review may be useful to analyse future directions for the healthcare system in the case of new pandemic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Lugli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- CEST Centre for Excellence and Transdisciplinary Studies, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Maria Ottaviani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- CEST Centre for Excellence and Transdisciplinary Studies, Turin, Italy
| | - Annarita Botta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- CEST Centre for Excellence and Transdisciplinary Studies, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido Ascione
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- CEST Centre for Excellence and Transdisciplinary Studies, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bruschi
- Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- CEST Centre for Excellence and Transdisciplinary Studies, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Cagnazzo
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier University Medical Center, 80, Avenue Augustin Fliche, Montpellier, France
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Disease, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Portaluri
- IN Srl, Udine, Italy
- CEST Centre for Excellence and Transdisciplinary Studies, Turin, Italy
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Marks DK, Budhathoki N, Kucharczyk J, Fa’ak F, D’Abreo N, Kwa M, Plasilova M, Dhage S, Soe PP, Becker D, Hindenburg A, Lee J, Winner M, Okpara C, Daly A, Shah D, Ramdhanny A, Meyers M, Oratz R, Speyer J, Novik Y, Schnabel F, Jones SA, Adams S. OUP accepted manuscript. Oncologist 2022; 27:89-96. [PMID: 35641208 PMCID: PMC8895753 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Provide real-world data regarding the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality in breast cancer (BC) patients on active cancer treatment. Methods Clinical data were abstracted from the 3778 BC patients seen at a multisite cancer center in New York between February 1, 2020 and May 1, 2020, including patient demographics, tumor histology, cancer treatment, and SARS-CoV-2 testing results. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection by treatment type (chemotherapy [CT] vs endocrine and/or HER2 directed therapy [E/H]) was compared by Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting. In those diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, Mann–Whitney test was used to a assess risk factors for severe disease and mortality. Results Three thousand sixty-two patients met study inclusion criteria with 641 patients tested for SARS-COV-2 by RT-PCR or serology. Overall, 64 patients (2.1%) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by either serology, RT-PCR, or documented clinical diagnosis. Comparing matched patients who received chemotherapy (n = 379) with those who received non-cytotoxic therapies (n = 2343) the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 did not differ between treatment groups (weighted risk; 3.5% CT vs 2.7% E/H, P = .523). Twenty-seven patients (0.9%) expired over follow-up, with 10 deaths attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chemotherapy was not associated with increased risk for death following SARS-CoV-2 infection (weighted risk; 0.7% CT vs 0.1% E/H, P = .246). Advanced disease (stage IV), age, BMI, and Charlson’s Comorbidity Index score were associated with increased mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection (P ≤ .05). Conclusion BC treatment, including chemotherapy, can be safely administered in the context of enhanced infectious precautions, and should not be withheld particularly when given for curative intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas K Marks
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
- Corresponding author: Douglas K. Marks, Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, 120 Mineola Blvd, Suite 500 Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
| | | | | | - Faisal Fa’ak
- NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Nina D’Abreo
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Maryann Kwa
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Magdalena Plasilova
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Shubhada Dhage
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Phyu Phyu Soe
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Becker
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Hindenburg
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Johanna Lee
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Winner
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY,USA
| | | | - Alison Daly
- NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Darshi Shah
- NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, Mineola, NY, USA
| | | | - Marleen Meyers
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Oratz
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - James Speyer
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Yelena Novik
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Freya Schnabel
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Simon A Jones
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Sylvia Adams
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
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11
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Acquati C, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Connors SK, Haq AA, Rogova A, Ramirez S, Reitzel LR, McNeill LH. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Care and Health-Related Quality of Life of Non-Hispanic Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina and Non-Hispanic White Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the U.S.: A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:13084. [PMID: 34948695 PMCID: PMC8702073 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had critical consequences for cancer care delivery, including altered treatment protocols and delayed services that may affect patients' quality of life and long-term survival. Breast cancer patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups already experience worse outcomes, which may have been exacerbated by treatment delays and social determinants of health (SDoH). This protocol details a mixed-methods study aimed at comparing cancer care disruption among a diverse sample of women (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latina) and assessing how proximal, intermediate, and distal SDoH differentially contribute to care continuity and health-related quality of life. An embedded mixed-methods design will be implemented. Eligible participants will complete an online survey, followed by a semi-structured interview (with a subset of participants) to further understand factors that influence continuity of care, treatment decision-making, and self-reported engagement. The study will identify potentially modifiable factors to inform future models of care delivery and improve care transitions. These data will provide the necessary evidence to inform whether a subsequent, multilevel intervention is warranted to improve quality of care delivery in the COVID-19 aftermath. Additionally, results can be used to identify ways to leverage existing social resources to help manage and support patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, 3511 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tzuan A. Chen
- HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (T.A.C.); (I.M.L.); (L.R.R.)
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (S.K.C.); (A.A.H.); (A.R.)
| | - Isabel Martinez Leal
- HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (T.A.C.); (I.M.L.); (L.R.R.)
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (S.K.C.); (A.A.H.); (A.R.)
| | - Shahnjayla K. Connors
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (S.K.C.); (A.A.H.); (A.R.)
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX 77002, USA
| | - Arooba A. Haq
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (S.K.C.); (A.A.H.); (A.R.)
| | - Anastasia Rogova
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (S.K.C.); (A.A.H.); (A.R.)
| | - Stephanie Ramirez
- College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Houston, 3507 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
| | - Lorraine R. Reitzel
- HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (T.A.C.); (I.M.L.); (L.R.R.)
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (S.K.C.); (A.A.H.); (A.R.)
| | - Lorna H. McNeill
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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12
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Gachabayov M, Latifi LA, Parsikia A, Latifi R. The Role of Telemedicine in Surgical Specialties During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. World J Surg 2021; 46:10-18. [PMID: 34743242 PMCID: PMC8572066 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-021-06348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the current body of evidence on the use of telemedicine in surgical subspecialties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a scoping review conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). MEDLINE via Ovid, PubMed, and EMBASE were systematically searched for any reports discussing telemedicine use in surgery and surgical specialties during the first period (February 2020–August 8, 2020) and second 6-month period (August 9–March 4, 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Of 466 articles screened through full text, 277 articles were included for possible qualitative and/or quantitative data synthesis. The majority of publications in the first 6 months were in orthopedic surgery, followed by general surgery and neurosurgery, whereas in the second 6 months of COVID-19 pandemic, urology and neurosurgery were the most productive, followed by transplant and plastic surgery. Most publications in the first 6 months were opinion papers (80%), which decreased to 33% in the second 6 months. The role of telemedicine in different aspects of surgical care and surgical education was summarized stratifying by specialty. Conclusion Telemedicine has increased access to care of surgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, but whether this practice will continue post-pandemic remains unknown. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-021-06348-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahir Gachabayov
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Health, New York Medical College, School of Medicine, Taylor Pavilion, Suite D334, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.,Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Lulejeta A Latifi
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Health, New York Medical College, School of Medicine, Taylor Pavilion, Suite D334, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.,University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Afshin Parsikia
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Health, New York Medical College, School of Medicine, Taylor Pavilion, Suite D334, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.,Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Rifat Latifi
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Health, New York Medical College, School of Medicine, Taylor Pavilion, Suite D334, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA. .,Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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13
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Xie T, Wang D, Wang X, Yang Q, Sun H, Liu R, Li M. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient appointments of rheumatic patients in a non-outbreak area of China. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 133:892-901. [PMID: 34143264 PMCID: PMC8212283 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01891-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has caused huge impacts on all of people’s lives and health systems. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first country to impose lockdown. We aimed to study the influence of COVID-19 on the outpatient visits of rheumatic patients in a non-outbreak area of China. Methods We selected three provincial or ministerial hospitals in Jinan, and collected the outpatient appointments data in rheumatology and immunology departments during the Shandong Province first-level public health emergency response period from 25 January 2020 to 8 March 2020. Results In the early stage, the number of outpatient appointments in the rheumatology and immunology departments of the three provincial or ministerial hospitals were significantly reduced, and gradually restored in the late stage. It showed that in the face of major infectious diseases, strict quarantine measures with the cooperation of the public not only controls the epidemic in a short time, but also lifts the quarantine measures and opens general outpatient clinics in hospitals as soon as possible, thus minimizing the impact on other patients. Interpretation The impact on the western hospital was greater than that on the Chinese medicine hospital, and the impact on the back-up designated hospitals for COVID-19 was the greatest. Online appointment can reduce the risk of infection in outpatients, but not completely solve the follow-up problem of rheumatic patients. Telemedicine provides a new solution for both management of rheumatic patients and control of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhua Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Medical Administration, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Qingrui Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Hongsheng Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Ruihong Liu
- Department of Statistics and Medical Record Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Hospital), Jinan, China.
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14
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Zhou J, Liu Y, Xu M, Mei L, Ruan S, Zhang N, Yi P, Chen Q, Tan J. Management of Breast Cancer Patients During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: The Experience From the Epicenter of China, Wuhan. Clin Breast Cancer 2021; 22:e1-e7. [PMID: 34078565 PMCID: PMC8099546 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2021.04.014] [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: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is a global public health event. Wuhan used to be the epicenter of China and finally controlled the outbreak through city lockdown and many other policies. However, the pandemic and the prevention strategies had a huge impact on the medical care procedures for patients with breast cancer, leading to the delay or interruption of anticancer therapies. Patients and Methods To better serve patients with breast cancer under the premise of epidemic control, many strategies have been proposed and optimized in our center. One of the most important parts of these strategies is the promotion of telemedicine, including online consultation, online prescription, and drug mailing services. Results In keeping with the city and hospital policies, we have also introduced stricter ward management policies and more precise care. Conclusion Here, we collected the diagnosis and treatment process of patients with breast cancer in our center during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which was found to be correlated to a reduction in chemotherapy-related myelosuppression and hepatic dysfunction, hoping to provide a reference for other cancer centers that may suffer from the similar situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuyin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Mei
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengnan Ruan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengfei Yi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianzhi Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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15
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Dilawari A, Rentscher KE, Zhai W, Zhou X, Ahles TA, Ahn J, Bethea TN, Carroll JE, Cohen HJ, Graham DA, Jim H, McDonald B, Nakamura ZM, Patel SK, Root JC, Small BJ, Saykin AJ, Tometich D, Van Dyk K, Mandelblatt JS. Medical Care Disruptions During the First Six-Months of the COVID19 Pandemic: The Experience of Older Breast Cancer Survivors. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021. [PMID: 33880464 PMCID: PMC8057243 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-416077/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. Older cancer survivors required medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic despite infection risks, but there are limited data on medical care in this age group. Methods. We evaluated care disruptions in a longitudinal cohort of non-metastatic breast cancer survivors ages 60–98 from five US regions (n=321). Survivors completed a web-based or telephone survey from May 27, 2020 to September 11, 2020. Care disruptions included self-reported interruptions in ability to see doctors, receive treatment or supportive therapies, or fill prescriptions. Logistic regression models evaluated bivariate and multivariate associations between care disruptions and education, medical, psychosocial and COVID-19-related factors. Multivariate models included age, county COVID-19 rates, comorbidity and post-diagnosis time. Results. There was a high response rate (n=262, 81.6%). Survivors were 32.2 months post-diagnosis (SD 17.5, range 4–73). Nearly half (48%) reported a medical disruption. The unadjusted odds of care disruptions were significantly higher with more education (OR 1.23 per one-year increase, 95% CI 1.09–1.39, p =0.001) and greater depression (OR 1.04 per one-point increase in CES-D score, CI 1.003–1.08, p=0.033); tangible support decreased the odds of disruptions (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97–0.99 per one-point increase, p=0.012). There was a trend for associations between disruptions and comorbidity (unadjusted OR 1.13 per 1 added comorbidity, 95% CI 0.99–1.29, p=0.07). Adjusting for covariates, only higher education (p=0.001) and tangible social support (p=0.006) remained significantly associated with having care disruptions. Conclusions. Older breast cancer survivors reported high rates of medical care disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and psychosocial factors were associated with care disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dilawari
- Medstar Washington Hospital Center Washington, DC.,Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - K E Rentscher
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - W Zhai
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.,Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - X Zhou
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.,Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - T A Ahles
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - J Ahn
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - T N Bethea
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - J E Carroll
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - H J Cohen
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - D A Graham
- John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ
| | - Hsl Jim
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - B McDonald
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Z M Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - S K Patel
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - J C Root
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - B J Small
- University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - A J Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - K Van Dyk
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - J S Mandelblatt
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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16
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Baral P. Health Systems and Services During COVID-19: Lessons and Evidence From Previous Crises: A Rapid Scoping Review to Inform the United Nations Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2021; 51:474-493. [DOI: 10.1177/0020731421997088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This rapid scoping review has informed the development of the November 2020 United Nations Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery, by providing a synthesis of available evidence on the impact of pandemics and epidemics on (1) essential services and (2) health systems preparedness and strengthening. Emerging findings point to existing disparities in health systems and services being further exacerbated, with marginalized populations and low- and middle-income countries burdened disproportionately. More broadly, there is a need to further understand short- and long-term impacts of bypassed essential services, quality assurance of services, the role of primary health care in the frontline, and the need for additional mechanisms for effective vaccine messaging and uptake during epidemics. The review also highlights how trust—of institutions, of science, and between communities and health systems—remains central to a successful pandemic response. Finally, previous crises had repeatedly foreshadowed the inability of health systems to handle upcoming pandemics, yet the reactive nature of policies and practices compounded by lack of resources, infrastructure, and political will have resulted in the current failed response to COVID-19. There is therefore an urgent need for investments in implementation science and for strategies to bridge this persistent research–practice gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prativa Baral
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Tariman JD, Klugman CM, Webber-Ritchey KJ, Amer K. Care Delivery and Treatment Decision Making: Bioethical and Nursing Considerations During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2021; 25:61-68. [PMID: 33480884 DOI: 10.1188/21.cjon.61-68] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disruption in the supply chain of resources and interruptions in cancer treatments caused by the pandemic presented tremendous challenges to the healthcare system. OBJECTIVES This article describes the National Academy of Medicine-defined states of medical and nursing care delivery for which local plans should be drawn and the shifting and evolving systems framework that can guide decisions to optimize the crisis standards of care. METHODS A case study is presented to describe the process of shifting the state of medical and nursing care delivery and bioethical nursing considerations during the pandemic and beyond. FINDINGS An evolving and shifting systems framework for crises rooted in deontology, principlism, and the ethics of care model provide meaningful guidance for establishing priorities for patient care.
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18
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Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Clinical Management Perspectives and Potential Consequences of Infection. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020296. [PMID: 33467411 PMCID: PMC7830590 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020296] [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: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in challenges to cancer management, exacerbated by limited clinical resources and caution in preventing COVID-19 transmission between patients and healthcare professionals. The neglect of breast cancer (in particular, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)) patients during the outbreak could negatively impact their overall survival, as delays in treatment and consultations provide vital time for tumor progression and metastasis. Herein, we review the shifting clinical management of TNBCs during the COVID-19 outbreak. The suggested treatment recommendations can hopefully minimize virus exposure without sacrificing patient care during times when healthcare systems are overburdened. Further, we review published RNA-seq data to assess the theoretical infectability of metastatic TNBCs to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These analyses highlight the potential of the virus to infect TNBC cells. Given the known increased susceptibility of cancer cells to viral infection, this additional host cell reservoir may make patients with metastatic disease particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 morbidities. Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the need for prioritization strategies for breast cancer treatment, where patients with aggressive disease, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are a high priority for clinical intervention. In this review, we summarize how COVID-19 has thus far impacted the management of TNBC and highlighted where more information is needed to hone shifting guidelines. Due to the immunocompromised state of most TNBC patients receiving treatment, TNBC management during the pandemic presents challenges beyond the constraints of overburdened healthcare systems. We conducted a literature search of treatment recommendations for both primary and targeted TNBC therapeutic strategies during the COVID-19 outbreak and noted changes to treatment timing and drugs of choice. Further, given that SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus, which has systemic consequences, management of TNBC patients with metastatic versus localized disease has additional considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Published dataset gene expression analysis of critical SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins in TNBCs suggests that the virus could in theory infect metastasized TNBC cells it contacts. This may have unforeseen consequences in terms of both the dynamics of the resulting acute viral infection and the progression of the chronic metastatic disease. Undoubtedly, the results thus far suggest that more research is required to attain a full understanding of the direct and indirect clinical impacts of COVID-19 on TNBC patients.
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19
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Medical care disruptions during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of older breast cancer survivors. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 190:287-293. [PMID: 34515905 PMCID: PMC8436022 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06362-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Older cancer survivors required medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are limited data on medical care in this age group. METHODS We evaluated care disruptions in a longitudinal cohort of non-metastatic breast cancer survivors aged 60-98 from five US regions (n = 321). Survivors completed a web-based or telephone survey from May 27, 2020 to September 11, 2020. Care disruptions included interruptions in seeing or speaking to doctors, receiving medical treatment or supportive therapies, or filling prescriptions since the pandemic began. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between care disruptions and education, medical, psychosocial, and COVID-19-related factors. Multivariate models included age, county COVID-19 death rates, comorbidity, and post-diagnosis time. RESULTS There was a high response rate (n = 262, 81.6%). Survivors were 32.2 months post-diagnosis (SD 17.5, range 4-73). Nearly half (48%) reported a medical disruption. The unadjusted odds of care disruptions were higher with each year of education (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.37, p = < 0.001) and increased depression by CES-D score (OR 1.04, CI 1.003-1.08, p = 0.033) while increased tangible support decreased the odds of disruptions (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.012). There was a trend between disruptions and comorbidities (unadjusted OR 1.13 per comorbidity, 95% CI 0.99-1.29, p = 0.07). Adjusting for covariates, higher education years (OR1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.39, p = 0.001) and tangible social support (OR 0.98 95% CI 0.97-1.00, p = 0.006) remained significantly associated with having care disruptions. CONCLUSION Older breast cancer survivors reported high rates of medical care disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and psychosocial factors were associated with care disruptions. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT03451383.
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20
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Breast Cancer Management During COVID-19 Pandemic in Madrid: Surgical Strategy. Clin Breast Cancer 2020; 21:e128-e135. [PMID: 33223393 PMCID: PMC7585494 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan (China), the infection spread all around the world causing a pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Spain has been one of the most severely affected countries, and Madrid has reported a high number of cases and deaths. We discuss our strategies for optimal breast cancer management during COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective observational study at Clínico San Carlos Hospital to analyze the management of patients with breast cancer during the pandemic outbreak and the surgical strategy after the pandemic outbreak. We created a practical and dynamic tool based on a "traffic light" system for prioritizing surgical time. Every patient was contacted by telephone with a preoperative COVID-19 protocol. After surgical procedures, patient satisfaction was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer in-patient satisfaction with cancer care questionnaire (EORTC IN-PATSAT32). RESULTS Patients with breast cancer actively treated with surgical procedures were put on a waiting list and received systemic therapy. Telemedicine was used to evaluate any side effects and to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Surgery was only considered after the pandemic outbreak, and then, only those procedures designed to minimize surgical complications and, therefore, reduce hospital stay. We also measured patients' satisfaction with medical and nursing scales that resulted in a "very good" evaluation tending to "excellent". CONCLUSION It is necessary to adapt management of oncology treatment and surgical strategy to optimize resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients' perception of care quality and the degree of patients' satisfaction with health services has potential relevance in the absence of outcome data.
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21
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Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Cancer Patient Care and Treatment: Data from an Outpatient Oncology Clinic in Lombardy (Italy). Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102941. [PMID: 33053782 PMCID: PMC7601200 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lombardy was the first area in Italy to have an outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) at the beginning of 2020. In this context, cancer has been reported as a major risk factor for adverse outcomes and death, so oncology societies have quickly released guidelines on cancer care during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the management of cancer patients and oncological treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic and to describe the containment measures performed in our outpatient clinic at Pavia (Lombardy). A comparison with the same period of the four previous years (2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016) was also performed. Using our electronic databases, we evaluated the number and characteristics of patients accessing the hospital for anticancer drug infusion from 24 February, 2020 to 30 April, 2020 and the number of radiological exams performed. Although a significant reduction in access for therapy was seen when compared with 2019 (2590 versus 2974, access rate ratio (ARR) = 0.85, p < 0.001), no significant differences in access numbers and ARR was evident between 2020 and 2018, 2017, or 2016 (2590 versus 2626 (ARR = 0.07), 2660 (ARR = 0.99), and 2694 (ARR = 0.96), respectively, p > 0.05). In 2020, 63 patients delayed treatment: 38% for "pandemic fear", 18% for travel restrictions, 13% for quarantine, 18% for flu syndrome other than COVID-19, and 13% for worsening of clinical conditions and death. Only 7/469 patients developed COVID-19. A significant reduction in radiological exams was found in 2020 versus all the other years considered (211 versus 360, 355, 385, 390 for the years 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, p < 0.001). The low incidence of COVID-19 among our cancer patients, along with the hospital policy to control infection, enabled safe cancer treatment and a continuum of care in most patients, while a small fraction of patients experienced a therapeutic delay due to patient-related reasons.
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22
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Zaniboni A, Ghidini M, Grossi F, Indini A, Trevisan F, Iaculli A, Dottorini L, Moleri G, Russo A, Vavassori I, Brevi A, Rausa E, Boni L, Dondossola D, Valeri N, Ghidini A, Tomasello G, Petrelli F. A Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Treatment Recommendations for Cancer Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2452. [PMID: 32872421 PMCID: PMC7565383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably caused those involved in cancer care to change clinical practice in order to minimize the risk of infection while maintaining cancer treatment as a priority. General advice during the pandemic suggests that most patients continue with ongoing therapies or planned surgeries, while follow-up visits may instead be delayed until the resolution of the outbreak. We conducted a literature search using PubMed to identify articles published in English language that reported on care recommendations for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from its inception up to 1st June 2020, using the terms "(cancer or tumor) AND (COVID 19)". Articles were selected for relevance and split into five categories: (1) personal recommendations of single or multiple authors, (2) recommendations of single authoritative centers, (3) recommendations of panels of experts or of multiple regional comprehensive centers, (4) recommendations of multicenter cooperative groups, (5) official guidelines or recommendations of health authorities. Of the 97 included studies, 10 were personal recommendations of single or multiple independent authors, 16 were practice recommendations of single authoritative cancer centers, 35 were recommendations provided by panel of experts or of multiple regional comprehensive centers, 19 were cooperative group position papers, and finally, 17 were official guidelines statements. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global emergency, and has rapidly modified our clinical practice. Delaying unnecessary treatment, minimizing toxicity, and identifying care priorities for surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies must be viewed as basic priorities in the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS–Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (F.G.); (A.I.); (G.T.)
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS–Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (F.G.); (A.I.); (G.T.)
| | - Alice Indini
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS–Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (F.G.); (A.I.); (G.T.)
| | | | - Alessandro Iaculli
- Oncology Unit, ASST Bergamo Est, 24068 Seriate (BG), Italy; (A.I.); (L.D.)
| | - Lorenzo Dottorini
- Oncology Unit, ASST Bergamo Est, 24068 Seriate (BG), Italy; (A.I.); (L.D.)
| | - Giovanna Moleri
- Centro Servizi, Direzione Socio-Sanitaria, ASST Bergamo Ovest, 24047 Treviglio (BG), Italy;
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Surgical Oncology Unit, ASST Bergamo Ovest, 24047 Treviglio (BG), Italy;
| | - Ivano Vavassori
- Urology Unit, ASST Bergamo Ovest, 24047 Treviglio (BG), Italy;
| | - Alessandra Brevi
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Unit, ASST Bergamo Ovest, 24047 Treviglio (BG), Italy;
| | - Emanuele Rausa
- General Surgery 1 Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
| | - Luigi Boni
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS–Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniele Dondossola
- General and Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS–Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, UK;
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | | | - Gianluca Tomasello
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS–Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (F.G.); (A.I.); (G.T.)
| | - Fausto Petrelli
- Oncology Unit, Medical Sciences Department, ASST Bergamo Ovest, 24047 Treviglio (BG), Italy
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23
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Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Candido S, Libra M, Lerpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ramazzotti G, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Blalock WL, Piazzi M, Montalto G, Cervello M, Notarbartolo M, Basecke J, McCubrey JA. Cancer therapy and treatments during COVID-19 era. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 77:100739. [PMID: 32773105 PMCID: PMC7319627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a serious strain on health treatments as well at the economies of many nations. Unfortunately, there is not currently available vaccine for SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19. Various types of patients have delayed treatment or even routine check-ups and we are adapting to a virtual world. In many cases, surgeries are delayed unless they are essential. This is also true with regards to cancer treatments and screening. Interestingly, some existing drugs and nutraceuticals have been screened for their effects on COVID-19. Certain FDA approved drugs, vitamin, natural products and trace minerals may be repurposed to treat or improve the prevention of COVID-19 infections and disease progression. This review article will summarize how the treatments of various cancer patients has changed during the COVID-19 era as well as discuss the promise of some existing drugs and other agents to be repurposed to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences-Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences-Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Kvin Lerpiriyapong
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - William L Blalock
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare-Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza, UOS Bologna, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Bologna, Italy; IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Piazzi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare-Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza, UOS Bologna, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Bologna, Italy; IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Notarbartolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jorg Basecke
- Sankt-Josefs Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 13, 49661, Cloppenburg, Germany
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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