Naslov
Behind the numbers and the panic of a viral pandemic: fixed restrictive oncology guidance may jeopardize patients’ survival

Autori
Mauri, Davide ; Tzachanis, Dimitrios ; Valachis, Antonis ; Kamposioras, Konstantinos ; Tolia, Maria ; Dambrosio, Mario ; Zarkavelis, Georgios ; Gkoura, Stefania ; Gazouli, Ioanna ; De Lorenzo, Francesco ; Apostolidis, Kathi ; ... ; Antunac, Katarina ; Dedić Plavetić, Natalija

Kolaboracija
International Oncology Panel ; FAVO ; ECPC

Izvornik
JBUON (2241-6293) 25 (2020), 3; 1277-1280

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
COVID-19 ; cancer patients ; survival ; Federation of Oncology Volunteer Associations (FAVO) ; European Cancer Patient Coalition (EPCC)

Sažetak
To protect cancer patients from COVID-19 exposure, prioritization strategies are being implemented at global level. Measures include use of telehealth services, deferring elective surgeries, delaying non life-saving therapies, interrupting maintenance and supportive care regimens and suspending screening and regular follow-up visits. Nonetheless, the risk of infection may not always outweigh oncology treatment benefit. Lives of most oncology patients depend on their ability to receive medical, surgical and radiotherapy care. Postponing screening, follow-up and radical surgeries increase patients’ risk of developing metastatic disease. A viral pandemic lasts long time and exhibits seasonal and geographical variations. Though vaccines will be available only in the 2021, a global, aggressive, all-embracing and protracted slowdown of oncologic activities will severely jeopardize patients’ outcomes. A present international oncologists’ panel, ECPC and FAVO, strongly suggest that Hospital measures in a specific geographical area/Nation should be in line with the local epidemic, and restrictions adopted should be adapted and stratified over time.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA