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Apostu AP, Vesa ȘC, Frățilă S, Iancu G, Bejinariu N, Muntean M, Șenilă SC, Baba OA, Secășan CP, Ungureanu L. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma 2 years after the pandemic in two Romanian counties. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1328488. [PMID: 38323030 PMCID: PMC10844525 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1328488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the healthcare system and negatively affected the diagnosis and management of melanoma worldwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study included histopathologically confirmed melanoma cases from March 2019 to February 2023 in Cluj and Bihor counties. Data from the post-COVID-19 period (March 2021 to February 2023) were compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (March 2019 to February 2020) and the COVID-19 period (March 2020 to February 2021). Patient characteristics, monthly diagnostics, histological subtypes, and key histological features were analyzed using statistical tests. Results The number of melanoma cases diagnosed annually decreased by 31.37 and 23.75% in the first and second post-pandemic years, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Diagnostic rates also decreased by 14.9 and 5.4% in the first and second post-pandemic years, respectively, compared to the pandemic period. Prognostic factors worsened in the post-pandemic period, with higher Breslow index and mitotic rate, and increased ulceration and thick melanomas compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic had a long-lasting impact on the diagnosis of melanoma in Romania, resulting in advanced stages and unfavorable prognostic factors. Larger global studies are needed to comprehensively understand the pandemic's long-term effects on the diagnosis of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Patricia Apostu
- Department of Dermatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ștefan Cristian Vesa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Frățilă
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
- Clinical Emergency County Hospital, Oradea, Romania
| | - Gabriela Iancu
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
- Clinic of Dermatology, County Emergency Hospital Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
| | - Nona Bejinariu
- Santomar Oncodiagnostic Laboratory, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maximilian Muntean
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, “Prof Dr. I. Chiricuță” Institute of Oncology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona C. Șenilă
- Department of Dermatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Emergency County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | | | - Loredana Ungureanu
- Department of Dermatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Emergency County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Cariti C, Merli M, Avallone G, Rubatto M, Marra E, Fava P, Caliendo V, Picciotto F, Gualdi G, Stanganelli I, Fierro MT, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Melanoma Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency: A Literature Review and Single-Center Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236071. [PMID: 34885180 PMCID: PMC8656565 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary COVID-19 is a highly contagious infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 had become a pandemic; since then, several elective clinical and surgical activities have been postponed to reduce the risk of nosocomial infection. This has influenced the diagnosis and management of many diseases, including melanoma. The aim of our literature review was to evaluate whether the management of melanoma has been changed by the outbreak of COVID-19, and if so, what the consequences of these changes are. The main topics in this literature review are the screening of suspicious lesions, diagnosis of primary melanoma, and the management of early-stage and advanced melanomas in the COVID-19 era. We also reported the experience of our dermatological clinic in Turin, one of the most affected areas in Italy. Abstract Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the modus operandi of all fields of medicine, significantly impacting patients with oncological diseases and multiple comorbidities. Thus, in recent months, the establishment of melanoma management during the emergency has become a major area of interest. In addition to original articles, case reports and specific guidelines for the period have been developed. Purpose: This article aims to evaluate whether melanoma management has been changed by the outbreak of COVID-19, and if so, what the consequences are. We summarized the main issues concerning the screening of suspicious lesions, the diagnosis of primary melanoma, and the management of early-stage and advanced melanomas during the pandemic. Additionally, we report on the experience of our dermatological clinic in northern Italy. Methods: We performed a literature review evaluating articles on melanomas and COVID-19 published in the last two years on PubMed, as well as considering publications by major healthcare organizations. Concerning oncological practice in our center, we collected data on surgical and therapeutic procedures in patients with a melanoma performed during the first months of the pandemic. Conclusions: During the emergency period, the evaluation of suspicious skin lesions was ensured as much as possible. However, the reduced level of access to medical care led to a documented delay in the diagnosis of new melanomas. When detected, the management of early-stage and advanced melanomas was fully guaranteed, whereas the follow-up visits of disease-free patients have been postponed or replaced with a teleconsultation when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Cariti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Martina Merli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-633-5843
| | - Gianluca Avallone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Marco Rubatto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Elena Marra
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Paolo Fava
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Virginia Caliendo
- Dermatologic Surgery Department, Surgery Department, University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (V.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Franco Picciotto
- Dermatologic Surgery Department, Surgery Department, University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (V.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Giulio Gualdi
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Science, Dermatologic Clinic, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Ignazio Stanganelli
- Skin Cancer Unit, IRCCS-IRST Scientific Institute of Romagna for the Study and Treatment of Cancer, Meldola and University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Fierro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (G.A.); (M.R.); (E.M.); (P.F.); (M.T.F.); (S.R.); (P.Q.)
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Li AR, Valdebran M, Reuben DY. Emerging Developments in Management of Melanoma During the COVID-19 Era. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:769368. [PMID: 34820401 PMCID: PMC8606631 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.769368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the designation of the COVID-19 outbreak as a worldwide pandemic marked the beginning of an unprecedented era in modern medicine. Facing the possibility of resource precincts and healthcare rationing, leading dermatological and cancer societies acted expeditiously to adapt their guidelines to these contingencies. Melanoma is a lethal and aggressive skin cancer necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to management and is associated with significant healthcare and economic cost in later stages of disease. In revisiting how the pandemic transformed guidelines from diagnosis and surveillance to surgical and systemic management of melanoma, we appraise the evidence behind these decisions and their enduring implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andraia R Li
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Manuel Valdebran
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Daniel Y Reuben
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Awadasseid A, Yin Q, Wu Y, Zhang W. Potential protective role of the anti-PD-1 blockade against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111957. [PMID: 34339917 PMCID: PMC8315943 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and its global dissemination became the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. In patients undergoing immunotherapy, the effect and path of viral infection remain uncertain. In addition, viral-infected mice and humans show T-cell exhaustion, which is identified after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Notably, they regain their T-cell competence and effectively prevent viral infection when treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies. Four clinical trials are officially open to evaluate anti-PD-1 antibody administration's effectiveness for cancer and non-cancer individuals influenced by COVID-19 based on these findings. The findings may demonstrate the hypothesis that a winning strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection could be the restoration of exhausted T-cells. In this review, we outline the potential protective function of the anti-PD-1 blockade against SARS-CoV-2 infection with the aim to develop SARS-CoV-2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annoor Awadasseid
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Department of Biochemistry & Food Sciences, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid 51111, Sudan
| | - Qiang Yin
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Switzer B, Haanen J, Lorigan PC, Puzanov I, Turajlic S. Clinical and immunologic implications of COVID-19 in patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002835. [PMID: 34272309 PMCID: PMC8288220 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical and immunologic implications of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for patients with cancer receiving systemic anticancer therapy have introduced a multitude of clinical challenges and academic controversies. This review summarizes the current evidence, discussion points, and recommendations regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with a focus on patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). More specifically, we summarize the theoretical concepts and available objective data regarding the relationships between ICIs and the antiviral immune response, along with recommended clinical approaches to the management of melanoma and RCC patient cohorts receiving ICIs throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional insights regarding the use of ICIs in the setting of current and upcoming COVID-19 vaccines and broader implications toward future pandemics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Switzer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C Lorigan
- Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Samra Turajlic
- Renal and Skin Units, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Cancer and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment in the Era of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113383. [PMID: 33207589 PMCID: PMC7698088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in 2011 revolutionized the management of many solid cancers and hematological malignancies. However, there are concerns regarding the use of ICI in the era of COVID-19. We present currently available information on the pros and cons of using ICI in cancer patients with respect to the risk of acquiring an infection by SARS-CoV2 and mortality from COVID-19. By means of the present paper, clinicians and researchers may update their knowledge on a highly topical clinical question—is the use of ICI in cancer patients with SARS-CoV2 infection harmful with respect to COVID-19 outcome? Abstract Whether cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are at an increased risk of severe infection and mortality during the corona pandemic is a hotly debated topic that will continue to evolve. Here, we summarize and discuss current studies regarding COVID-19 and anti-cancer treatment with an emphasis on ICI. Importantly, several lines of evidence suggest that patients currently treated with ICI do not display an increased vulnerability to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Data regarding morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 in cancer patients receiving ICI are less clear and often conflicting. Although mostly based on experimental data, it is possible that ICI can promote the exacerbated immune response associated with adverse outcome in COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, mounting evidence suggests that ICI might even be useful in the treatment of viral infections by preventing or ameliorating T cell exhaustion. In this context, the right timing of treatment might be essential. Nevertheless, some cancer patients treated with ICI experience autoimmune-related side effects that require the use of immunosuppressive therapies, which in turn may promote a severe course of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Although there is clear evidence that withholding ICI will have more serious consequences, further studies are urgently needed in to better evaluate the effects of ICI in patients with COVID-19 and the use of ICI during the corona pandemic in general.
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