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Leone JP, Leone J, Hassett MJ, Freedman RA, Avila J, Vallejo CT, Tayob N, Tolaney SM, Lin NU. Incidence, treatment patterns, and mortality for patients with breast cancer during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2025; 210:285-294. [PMID: 39621161 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruptions in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Several public health measures were taken with limited evidence on their potential impact. In this observational study, we sought to compare the incidence of BC, treatment patterns, and mortality during 2020 versus 2018 and 2019. METHODS Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, we identified 37,834 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 199,594 with invasive BC between 2018 and 2020. We assessed age-adjusted incidence rates of DCIS and invasive BC as cases per 100,000, treatment patterns, and mortality in 2020 versus 2018 and 2019. RESULTS From 2019 to 2020, the incidence of female DCIS decreased from 36.4 to 31.0, and the incidence of female invasive BC decreased from 184.2 to 166.6. Among females, the relative reductions in incidence from 2019 to 2020 were 14.8% for DCIS, 12.1% for stage I, 5.8% for stage II, 2.6% for stage III, and 1.9% for stage IV. Comparing 2020 to 2018-2019 in invasive BC, we observed significant changes in treatment patterns with decreased use of surgery or radiation and increased use of chemotherapy. The 12-month mortality rates were 4.49%, 4.37%, and 4.57% for 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. In the Cox model, there were no significant differences in mortality between patients diagnosed in 2020 versus 2018 or 2019. CONCLUSIONS During 2020, the incidence of BC decreased significantly. There were reductions in surgery and radiation use, but not in chemotherapy. Although vaccines were largely unavailable and COVID-19 treatments were in development, we saw no differences in 12-month mortality in 2020 versus prior years. The impact on BC-specific outcomes requires further follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pablo Leone
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Julieta Leone
- Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Sur, Neuquén, Argentina
| | - Michael J Hassett
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel A Freedman
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jorge Avila
- St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nabihah Tayob
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Tolaney
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy U Lin
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Jong DLCD, Vries Reilingh TSD, Hoek PEN, Zwaans WAR, Nienhuijs SW. Significant increase of emergency hernia operation during COVID. Hernia 2024; 28:1855-1859. [PMID: 38976135 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-024-03102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgeries including hernia repairs, were postponed, or cancelled completely. However, it has been stated previously that the volume of surgical emergency hernia repairs did not drop during this period. Due to the disruption in elective surgeries, waiting lists have increased rapidly, causing a suspected treatment delay. To gain improved insight in preoperative patient prioritization, the aim of this multicenter study was to track volumes of hernia surgery before, during and after the pandemic to investigate for a shift from elective towards emergency hernia surgery. METHODS A retrospective study using hernia databases from four regional hospitals to account for altered referral patterns (elective versus emergent), capturing patients' admissions and surgery times for both groin and ventral hernia repair was conducted. Study period was predefined from March 2019 to March 2023. Data are presented as descriptive statistics. RESULTS During the historic period, 106 of 2267 hernia surgeries (4.7%) performed were defined as emergency repairs. During the pandemic, 3864 elective surgeries were executed, of which 213(5.5%) emergencies. During the current period, the portion of emergencies dropped to 4.9% (110 emergency hernia repairs); (p = 0.039). A non-significant increase in emergent incisional hernia repair during the pandemic period was found chronologically 9.9%, 11.8% and 11.6% emergent repairs(p = 0.75). There were no statistically significant differences across the hernia types in elective versus urgent rate. RESULTS During the historic period, 106 of 2267 hernia surgeries (4.7%) performed were defined as emergency repairs. During the pandemic, 3864 elective surgeries were executed, of which 213(5.5%) emergencies. During the current period, the portion of emergencies dropped to 4.9% (110 emergency hernia repairs); (p = 0.039). A non-significant increase in emergent incisional hernia repair during the pandemic period was found chronologically 9.9%, 11.8% and 11.6% emergent repairs(p = 0.75). There were no statistically significant differences across the hernia types in elective versus urgent rate. DISCUSSION Regionwide data showed a 15% decline in hernia repairs during the pandemic compared to historical levels, with an 0.8% increase in emergent repairs. Surgery rates are still convalescent after the pandemic, with a persistent proportion of emergent surgeries. These numbers emphasize the challenges in selecting patient whose hernia repair should not be postponed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L C de Jong
- Department of Surgery, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | | | - P E N Hoek
- Department of Surgery, St Anna Ziekenhuis, Geldrop, The Netherlands
| | - W A R Zwaans
- SolviM?x, Center of Excellence for Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medisch Centrum, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - S W Nienhuijs
- Department of Surgery, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Roman RC, Faur CI, Gordan E, Văleanu M, Moldovan MA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Surgical Management of Head and Neck Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers in a Maxillofacial Center of Cluj-Napoca. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3934. [PMID: 38999499 PMCID: PMC11242733 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133934] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 era has been a bleak period for both cancer and non-cancer patients, with delayed non-emergency treatments, such as for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). This study aimed to evaluate how the treatment of NMSC patients was influenced by the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in an Eastern European Maxillofacial Surgery center. Materials and Methods: A total of 176 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of head and neck NMSC who were surgically treated in Cluj-Napoca Emergency County Hospital between 2016 and 2022 were included in this study, and divided into two samples, pre-pandemic (2016-2019) and COVID-19 (2020-2022) periods. Results: The pandemic presented with a decrease of 46.15% in patients' hospitalization, with wealthy and educated patients being prevalent. Even if the waiting time for surgery was increased, the stage of cancer and preference method for reconstruction did not differ. Despite the lower addressability of NMSC patients during the pandemic, there were no changes in surgical treatment. Conclusions: During COVID-19, the number of patients was reduced, with a longer waiting time for surgery, but without any changes in tumor stage and treatment preferences. However, the benefit of removing a cancer tumor is higher compared to the risk of developing COVID-19 infection during hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rareș Călin Roman
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmin Ioan Faur
- Department of Oral Radiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Edina Gordan
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mădălina Văleanu
- Department of Statistics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mădălina Anca Moldovan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Aggerholm-Pedersen N, Jellesmark Thorsen LB, Møller Tauber N, Tingdal Danielsen J, Løppenthin K, Borgquist S, Johansen C, Zacharie R. Changes in experienced quality of oncological cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic based on patient reported outcomes - a cross-sectional study. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:518-525. [PMID: 38946287 PMCID: PMC11332494 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.40141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
AIM The study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients' perceptions of the quality of their oncological treatment and care. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery and oncological resources were repurposed, potentially leading to prolonged treatment and reduced access to innovative therapies and clinical trials. Still, little is known about how patients perceived the quality of their treatment. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2020 among cancer patients at the Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Patients were invited to complete an online questionnaire on clinical, socioeconomic, emotional, behavioural, and quality-related aspects of oncological cancer care. Patients who experienced reduced treatment quality and those who reported no or slight reductions were compared using multiple logistic regression, exploring the associations with patient characteristics, behaviours, and fear of cancer progression or recurrence. RESULTS A total of 2,040/5,372 patients experienced changes in their treatment plans during the pandemic, and 1,570/5,372 patients experienced reduced treatment quality, with 236 reporting a high degree of reduction. Patients with breast, head and neck, and upper gastrointestinal cancers were more likely to experience reduced treatment quality. Altered interactions with healthcare providers, along with isolation, lack of social support, and heightened fear of cancer progression, were significant risk factors for experiencing reduced cancer care quality. INTERPRETATION We identified subgroups of cancer patients needing targeted communication and care during health crises affecting cancer treatment. The findings underscore the importance of safeguarding the needs of vulnerable patient populations in future healthcare emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninna Aggerholm-Pedersen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Lise Bech Jellesmark Thorsen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nina Møller Tauber
- Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Josefine Tingdal Danielsen
- Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Signe Borgquist
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Johansen
- Center for Surgery and Cancer, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center Late Effect Research, Oncology Clinic, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert Zacharie
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Dorma MPF, Giuliani G, Guerra F, Santelli F, Esposito A, De Pastena M, Turri G, Pedrazzani C, Kauffmann EF, Boggi U, Solaini L, Ercolani G, Mastrangelo L, Jovine E, Di Franco G, Morelli L, Mazzola M, Ferrari G, Langella S, Ferrero A, La Mendola R, Abu Hilal M, Depalma N, D'Ugo S, Spampinato MG, Frisini M, Brolese A, Palaia R, Belli A, Cillara N, Deserra A, Cannavera A, Sagnotta A, Mancini S, Pinotti E, Montuori M, Coppola A, Di Benedetto F, Coratti A. The pan - COVID - AGICT study. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on surgically treated pancreatic cancer patients. A multicentric Italian study. Surg Oncol 2024; 54:102081. [PMID: 38729088 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2024.102081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this article we aimed to perform a subgroup analysis using data from the COVID-AGICT study, to investigate the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancers (PC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The primary endpoint of the study was to find out any difference in the tumoral stage of surgically treated PC patients between 2019 and 2020. Surgical and oncological outcomes of the entire cohort of patients were also appraised dividing the entire peri-pandemic period into six three-month timeframes to balance out the comparison between 2019 and 2020. RESULTS Overall, a total of 1815 patients were surgically treated during 2019 and 2020 in 14 Italian surgical Units. In 2020, the rate of patients treated with an advanced pathological stage was not different compared to 2019 (p = 0.846). During the pandemic, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has dropped significantly (6.2% vs 21.4%, p < 0.001) and, for patients who didn't undergo NCT, the latency between diagnosis and surgery was shortened (49.58 ± 37 days vs 77.40 ± 83 days, p < 0.001). During 2020 there was a significant increase in minimally invasive procedures (p < 0.001). The rate of postoperative complication was the same in the two years but during 2020 there was an increase of the medical ones (19% vs 16.1%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The post-pandemic dramatic modifications in healthcare provision, in Italy, did not significantly impair the clinical history of PC patients receiving surgical resection. The present study is one of the largest reports available on the argument and may provide the basis for long-term analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Federica Dorma
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est, School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Giuliani
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est, School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Francesco Guerra
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est, School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Francesco Santelli
- Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics (DEAMS), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Esposito
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo De Pastena
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Turri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Unit of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Corrado Pedrazzani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Unit of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Boggi
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Solaini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ercolani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Laura Mastrangelo
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elio Jovine
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gregorio Di Franco
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56125, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56125, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzola
- Division of Minimally-Invasive Surgical Oncology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ferrari
- Division of Minimally-Invasive Surgical Oncology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Langella
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Turati 62, 10128, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrero
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Turati 62, 10128, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta La Mendola
- Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Minimally Invasive Surgery, Poliambulanza Foundation Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mohamnad Abu Hilal
- Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Minimally Invasive Surgery, Poliambulanza Foundation Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Norma Depalma
- Department of General Surgery, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Piazza Muratore 1-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Ugo
- Department of General Surgery, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Piazza Muratore 1-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Marco Frisini
- APSS, Department of General Surgery & HPB Unit, Largo Medaglie d'oro 9, 38122, Trento, Italy
| | - Alberto Brolese
- APSS, Department of General Surgery & HPB Unit, Largo Medaglie d'oro 9, 38122, Trento, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palaia
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Gastro-esophageal and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione G. Pascale, IRCCS, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Andrea Belli
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Gastro-esophageal and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione G. Pascale, IRCCS, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Nicola Cillara
- UOC Chirurgia Generale PO Santissima Trinità ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonello Deserra
- UOC Chirurgia Generale PO Santissima Trinità ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sagnotta
- General and Oncology Surgery - San Filippo Neri Hospital - ASL Roma 1, Italy
| | - Stefano Mancini
- General and Oncology Surgery - San Filippo Neri Hospital - ASL Roma 1, Italy
| | - Enrico Pinotti
- Department of Surgery, Ponte San Pietro Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mauro Montuori
- Department of Surgery, Ponte San Pietro Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Di Benedetto
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Coratti
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est, School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
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Xu P, Luo W, Hu J, Ma X, Hao Q, Hui W, Zhou Z, Lin S, Wang M, Wu H, Dai Z, Kang H. Favorable outcome of neoadjuvant endocrine treatment than surgery-first in female HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer patients-A NCDB analysis (2010-2016). Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7244. [PMID: 38859692 PMCID: PMC11165171 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in female HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer patients. DATA AND METHODS We identified female patients aged ≥18 years with cT1-4N0-XM0, HR(+), and HER2(-) breast cancer from the National Cancer Database. The patients who underwent surgery first were categorized as "surgery-first," while those who received NET before surgery were classified as "NET." Propensity score-matching, Cox proportional-hazard model, variance inflation factors, and interaction analysis were employed to estimate the correlation between NET and survival outcomes. RESULTS Among 432,387 cases, 2914 NET patients and 2914 surgery-first patients were matched. Compared with the surgery-first group, the NET group received less adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the NET group exhibited higher survival probabilities compared with the surgery-first group (3 years: 91.4% vs. 82.1%; 5 years: 82.1% vs. 66.8%). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that NET was associated with improved OS (surgery-first vs. NET: HR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.93-2.44). Age over 55 years old, having public insurance, higher CDCC score, higher NSBR grade, ER(+)PR(-), and advanced clinical stage were related to worse OS (all p < 0.05). There was an interaction between age, race, income, and home and treatment regimen (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION NET may be a more effective treatment procedure than surgery-first in female HR-positive/HER2-negative, non-metastatic breast cancer patients. Future clinical studies with more detailed data will provide higher-level evidence-based data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Wen Luo
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Massachusetts General Cancer CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Xiaobin Ma
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Qian Hao
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Wentao Hui
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhangjian Zhou
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Shuai Lin
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Meng Wang
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to DiseasesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Huafeng Kang
- The Comprehensive Breast Care CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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Cioffi G, Waite KA, Price M, Neff C, Kruchko C, Ostrom QT, Barnholtz-Sloan JS. The impact of COVID-19 on 2020 monthly incidence trends of primary brain and other CNS tumors. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:764-774. [PMID: 38167948 PMCID: PMC10995517 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To mitigate disease spread, restrictions implemented in the United States surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic created an environment that led to delays in cancer diagnosis. The data needed to accurately analyze the impact of the pandemic on brain and CNS tumor incidence has not been available until now. Utilizing incidence data from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) we analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary brain and other CNS tumor incidence for the first year of the pandemic. METHODS Monthly age-adjusted incidence rates and incidence trends for 2019 and 2020 were determined for age at diagnosis, sex, race, ethnicity, diagnostic confirmation, behavior, tumor histopathology, and county-level urbanization. Monthly incidence rate ratios comparing 2020 and 2019 were evaluated for the same factors. RESULTS Overall, there was a notable decrease in incidence rates in March-May 2020 when compared to 2019. These decreases were driven by nonmalignant tumors, with a 50% incidence decrease between March 2020 and 2019. Individuals who were Black had a larger incidence decrease in early 2020 than individuals who were White. Radiographically confirmed tumors saw larger incidence decreases than histologically confirmed tumors. There were no changes in monthly incidence of glioblastoma in 2020 compared to 2019. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence that disruptions in medical care, such as governmental and health care mandates, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an overall decreased incidence of primary brain tumors in early 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino Cioffi
- Trans Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
| | - Kristin A Waite
- Trans Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
| | - Mackenzie Price
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Corey Neff
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carol Kruchko
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
| | - Quinn T Ostrom
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Trans Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Díaz-Calvillo P, Sánchez-Díaz M, Rodríguez-Pozo JÁ, Martínez-Ruiz V, Martínez-López A, Arias-Santiago S. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Centre Study of Epidemiologic, Clinic and Histopathological Factors. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2024; 115:T224-T230. [PMID: 38185206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic may have adversely affected the early diagnosis of skin cancer. OBJECTIVE To compare epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characteristics in patients undergoing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) surgery before and after the beginning of the pandemic. MATERIAL & METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study including two case series: (1) patients operated on for SCC in the year after the first state of alarm in Spain (15 March 2020), and (2) patients with SCC operated on in the previous year. Epidemiological, clinical and histopathological variables, tumour stage and risk grade were collected. RESULTS 248 patients were included (127 undergoing surgery before the pandemic and 121 after the pandemic). After the beginning of the pandemic, the percentage of high-risk SCC significantly increased from 35.3% to 46.2% (p=0.011). However, no significant differences were found in thickness, perineural invasion or metastases. CONCLUSIONS Although there has not been a significant reduction in the number of SCC operated on after the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in high-risk SCC. All this could lead to an increase in skin cancer mortality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Díaz-Calvillo
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - M Sánchez-Díaz
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - J Á Rodríguez-Pozo
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - V Martínez-Ruiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain; Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - A Martínez-López
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain.
| | - S Arias-Santiago
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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9
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Díaz-Calvillo P, Sánchez-Díaz M, Rodríguez-Pozo JÁ, Martínez-Ruiz V, Martínez-López A, Arias-Santiago S. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Centre Study of Epidemiologic, Clinic and Histopathological Factors. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2024; 115:224-230. [PMID: 37858857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic may have adversely affected the early diagnosis of skin cancer. OBJECTIVE To compare epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characteristics in patients undergoing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) surgery before and after the beginning of the pandemic. MATERIAL & METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study including two case series: (1) patients operated on for SCC in the year after the first state of alarm in Spain (15 March 2020), and (2) patients with SCC operated on in the previous year. Epidemiological, clinical and histopathological variables, tumour stage and risk grade were collected. RESULTS 248 patients were included (127 undergoing surgery before the pandemic and 121 after the pandemic). After the beginning of the pandemic, the percentage of high-risk SCC significantly increased from 35.3% to 46.2% (p=0.011). However, no significant differences were found in thickness, perineural invasion or metastases. CONCLUSIONS Although there has not been a significant reduction in the number of SCC operated on after the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in high-risk SCC. All this could lead to an increase in skin cancer mortality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Díaz-Calvillo
- Dermatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain; TECe19-Investigational and Translational Dermatology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - M Sánchez-Díaz
- Dermatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain; TECe19-Investigational and Translational Dermatology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - J Á Rodríguez-Pozo
- Dermatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain; TECe19-Investigational and Translational Dermatology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - V Martínez-Ruiz
- TECe19-Investigational and Translational Dermatology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - A Martínez-López
- Dermatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain; TECe19-Investigational and Translational Dermatology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain.
| | - S Arias-Santiago
- Dermatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain; TECe19-Investigational and Translational Dermatology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain; Department of Dermatology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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10
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Fialka NM, El-Andari R, Jogiat U, Bédard ELR, Laing B, Nagendran J. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on esophageal cancer resource allocation: a systematic review. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:1576-1589. [PMID: 38505032 PMCID: PMC10944786 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1232] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged global infrastructure. Healthcare systems were forced to reallocate resources toward the frontlines. In this systematic review, we analyze the impact of resource reallocation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of esophageal cancer (EC) patients. Methods PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for articles investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EC patients. Of the 1,722 manuscripts initially screened, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Results Heterogeneity of data and outcomes reporting prohibited aggregate analysis. Reduced detection of EC and considerable variability in disease stage at presentation were noted during the COVID-19 pandemic. EC patients experienced delays in diagnostic and preoperative staging investigations but surgical resection was not associated with greater short-term morbidity or mortality. Modeling the impact of pandemic-related delays in EC care predicts significant reductions in survival with associated economic losses in the coming years. Conclusions Amidst resource scarcity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the multidisciplinary management of patients with EC was affected at multiple stages in the care pathway. Although the complete ramifications of reductions in EC diagnosis and delays in care remain unclear, EC surgery was able to safely continue as a result of collaboration between centers, strict adherence to COVID-19 protective measures, and reallocation of healthcare resources towards the same. Ultimately, when healthcare systems are pushed to the brink, the downstream consequences of resource reallocation require judicious analysis to optimize overall patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Fialka
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ryaan El-Andari
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Uzair Jogiat
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric L. R. Bédard
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bryce Laing
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jayan Nagendran
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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11
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Kakavandi S, Hajikhani B, Azizi P, Aziziyan F, Nabi-Afjadi M, Farani MR, Zalpoor H, Azarian M, Saadi MI, Gharesi-Fard B, Terpos E, Zare I, Motamedifar M. COVID-19 in patients with anemia and haematological malignancies: risk factors, clinical guidelines, and emerging therapeutic approaches. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:126. [PMID: 38360719 PMCID: PMC10868124 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01316-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive research in countries with high sociodemographic indices (SDIs) to date has shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be directly associated with more severe outcomes among patients living with haematological disorders and malignancies (HDMs). Because individuals with moderate to severe immunodeficiency are likely to undergo persistent infections, shed virus particles for prolonged periods, and lack an inflammatory or abortive phase, this represents an overall risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. In cases suffering from HDMs, further investigation is needed to achieve a better understanding of triviruses and a group of related variants in patients with anemia and HDMs, as well as their treatment through vaccines, drugs, and other methods. Against this background, the present study aimed to delineate the relationship between HDMs and the novel COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Besides, effective treatment options for HDM cases were further explored to address this epidemic and its variants. Therefore, learning about how COVID-19 manifests in these patients, along with exploiting the most appropriate treatments, may lead to the development of treatment and care strategies by clinicians and researchers to help patients recover faster. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahareh Hajikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paniz Azizi
- Psychological and Brain Science Departments, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Nano Bio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azarian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co., Ltd., Shiraz, 7178795844, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Motamedifar
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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12
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Sakowitz S, Bakhtiyar SS, Verma A, Ebrahimian S, Vadlakonda A, Mabeza RM, Lee H, Benharash P. Association of time to resection with survival in patients with colon cancer. Surg Endosc 2024; 38:614-623. [PMID: 38012438 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colon cancer (CC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, for which colectomy represents the standard of care. Yet, the impact of delayed resection on survival outcomes remains controversial. We assessed the association between time to surgery and 10-year survival in a national cohort of CC patients. METHODS This retrospective cohort study identified all adults who underwent colectomy for Stage I-III CC in the 2004-2020 National Cancer Database. Those who required neoadjuvant therapy or emergent resection < 7 days from diagnosis were excluded. Patients were classified into Early (< 25 days) and Delayed (≥ 25 days) cohorts after an adjusted analysis of the relationship between time to surgery and 10-year survival. Survival at 1-, 5-, and 10-years was assessed via Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard modeling, adjusting for age, sex, race, income quartile, insurance coverage, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index, disease stage, location of tumor, receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as hospital type, location, and case volume. RESULTS Of 165,991 patients, 84,665 (51%) were classified as Early and 81,326 (49%) Delayed. Following risk adjustment, Delayed resection was associated with similar 1-year [hazard ratio (HR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.04, P = 0.72], but inferior 5- (HR 1.24, CI 1.22-1.26; P < 0.001) and 10-year survival (HR 1.22, CI 1.20-1.23; P < 0.001). Black race [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.36, CI 1.31-1.41; P < 0.001], Medicaid insurance coverage (AOR 1.34, CI 1.26-1.42; P < 0.001), and care at high-volume hospitals (AOR 1.12, 95%CI 1.08-1.17; P < 0.001) were linked with greater likelihood of Delayed resection. CONCLUSIONS Patients with CC who underwent resection ≥ 25 days following diagnosis demonstrated similar 1-year, but inferior 5- and 10-year survival, compared to those who underwent surgery within 25 days. Socioeconomic factors, including race and Medicaid insurance, were linked with greater odds of delayed resection. Efforts to balance appropriate preoperative evaluation with expedited resection are needed to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sakowitz
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Syed Shahyan Bakhtiyar
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Arjun Verma
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shayan Ebrahimian
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amulya Vadlakonda
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Russyan Mark Mabeza
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hanjoo Lee
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Benharash
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- UCLA Division of Cardiac Surgery, 64-249 Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Sobhani N, Mondani G, Roviello G, Catalano M, Sirico M, D'Angelo A, Scaggiante B, Generali D. Cancer management during the COVID-19 world pandemic. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3427-3444. [PMID: 37642709 PMCID: PMC10992624 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03524-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Since 2019, the world has been experiencing an outbreak of a novel beta-coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2. The worldwide spread of this virus has been a severe challenge for public health, and the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. As of June 8, 2023, the virus' rapid spread had caused over 767 million infections and more than 6.94 million deaths worldwide. Unlike previous SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreaks, the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a high death rate in infected patients; this has been caused by multiorgan failure, which might be due to the widespread presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors-functional receptors of SARS-CoV-2-in multiple organs. Patients with cancer may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19 because cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy) suppress the immune system. Thus, patients with cancer and COVID-19 may have a poor prognosis. Knowing how to manage the treatment of patients with cancer who may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 is essential. Treatment decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis, and patient stratification is necessary during COVID-19 outbreaks. Here, we review the management of COVID-19 in patients with cancer and focus on the measures that should be adopted for these patients on the basis of the organs or tissues affected by cancer and by the tumor stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Giuseppina Mondani
- Royal Infirmary Hospital, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Catalano
- Royal Infirmary Hospital, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alberto D'Angelo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AX, UK
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Multidisciplinary Unit of Breast Pathology and Translational Research, Cremona Hospital, 26100, Cremona, Italy
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14
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Patel VR, Gereta S, Jafri F, Mackert M, Haynes AB. Examining Public Communication About Surgical Cancer Care on Twitter. J Surg Res 2023; 291:433-441. [PMID: 37517351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social media platforms like Twitter are highly utilized for communicating about cancer care. Although surgery is the primary curative treatment for solid malignancies, little is known about online communication behaviors regarding this treatment modality. This study tracked online discussions and characterized participants to better characterize the content of public communication about surgical cancer care. METHODS Tweets referencing cancer surgery were collected from 2018 to 2021 using Twitter's Application Programming Interface. Metadata (e.g., profile biography, follower count) was used to predict user demographic information. Natural language processing was performed using Latent Dirichlet Allocation to identify common themes of conversation and mentioned cancer sites. RESULTS There were 442,840 tweets about cancer surgery by 262,168 users, including individuals (65%), influencers (1.5%), surgeons (1%), and oncologists (0.5%). Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, tweets mentioning delays in care increased by 21.7% (1971-57,846 tweets). Individuals commonly mentioned surgical costs (20.3%) and postoperative recovery (21.6%). Surgeons and oncologists frequently mentioned research (52.7%), but infrequently mentioned community support (7.8%) or survivorship (9.3%). Relative to their prevalence, neurologic cancers were most discussed (231 tweets per 1000 operations) while thoracic (29 tweets per 1000 operations) and urologic cancers were least discussed (12 tweets per 1000 operations). CONCLUSIONS Twitter was utilized by patients to discuss real-time issues such as COVID-19-related surgical delays and the financial burden of cancer surgery. Further efforts to improve community outreach may be optimized by targeting greater discussion of undermentioned cancer types and encouraging clinicians to participate in discussions about community-centered themes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal R Patel
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
| | - Sofia Gereta
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Faraz Jafri
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Michael Mackert
- Center for Health Communication, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Alex B Haynes
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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15
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Toskovic B, Vukcevic B, Zdravkovic D, Crnokrak B, Nadj I, Sekulic A, Mrda D, Todorovic S, Lazovic R, Milosavljevic V. Obstructive jaundice treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care center in Serbia. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231202350. [PMID: 37824742 PMCID: PMC10571677 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231202350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare mortality and complication rates in patients treated for obstructive jaundice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care center in Serbia. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study among a first group of patients treated between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2019. The second group was treated between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2022. RESULTS The first group comprised 35 patients, and the second group (in which all patients were SARS-CoV-2 positive) included 18 patients; 37 and 16 patients were treated for malignant and benign diseases, respectively. The groups did not differ significantly regarding the diagnoses and treatment received. The second group showed significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase levels and lower white blood cell, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 levels. Mortality and complication rates did not differ significantly between groups. All deceased patients in the second group had significant radiologic findings associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 infection is a risk factor in treating obstructive jaundice. This study illustrates the potential influence of COVID-19 on mortality after obstructive jaundice treatment. COVID-19 pneumonia may be a significant risk factor for mortality in patients treated for obstructive jaundice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borislav Toskovic
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Batric Vukcevic
- Center for Digestive Surgery, Surgical Clinic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Darko Zdravkovic
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bogdan Crnokrak
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Igor Nadj
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Sekulic
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Davor Mrda
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Todorovic
- University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ranko Lazovic
- Center for Digestive Surgery, Surgical Clinic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
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16
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Chaves N, Broekhuis JM, Fligor SC, Collins RA, Modest AM, Kaul S, James BC. Delay in Surgery and Papillary Thyroid Cancer Survival in the United States: A SEER-Medicare Analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2589-2596. [PMID: 36987566 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delays in surgery and their impact on survival in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is unclear. We sought to investigate the association between time to surgery and survival in patients with PTC. METHODS A total of 8170 Medicare beneficiaries with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy were identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data files between 1999 and 2018. Disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meir analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models were specified to estimate the association between time to surgery and survival. RESULTS Among 8170 patients with PTC, mean age 69.3 (SD+/- 11.4), 89.8% had surgery within the first 90 days, 7.8% had surgery 91 to 180 days from diagnosis, and 2.4% had surgery after 180 days. Increasing time to surgery was associated with increased mortality for OS in the >180-day group [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53]. Moreover, on stratification by summary stage, those with localized disease in the 91- to 180-day group increased risk by 25% (aHR 1.25; 95%CI, 1.05-1.51), and delaying over 180 days increased risk by 61% (aHR 1.61; 95%CI, 1.19-2.18) in OS. Those with localized disease in the >180-day group had almost 4 times the estimated rate of DSS mortality (aHR3.51; 95%CI, 1.68-7.32). When stratified by T stage, those with T2 disease in the >180 days group had double the estimated rate of all-cause mortality (aHR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3) and almost triple the estimated rate of disease-specific mortality (aHR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.05-6.8). CONCLUSIONS Delays in surgery for PTC may impact OS and DSS in localized disease, prior to nodal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Chaves
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jordan M Broekhuis
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Scott C Fligor
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Reagan A Collins
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02214, USA
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02214, USA
| | - Anna M Modest
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sumedh Kaul
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Soloff MA, Keel T, Nizam A, Goldberg GL, Sakaris A, Diefenbach MA, DePeralta DK, Frimer M. Stress, anxiety, and illness perception in patients experiencing delay in operative care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2023; 48:101245. [PMID: 37576353 PMCID: PMC10422101 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, the US Surgeon General ordered hospitals and healthcare systems to stop all elective surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate the additional mental health impact of surgical delay on patients awaiting surgery for benign, pre-malignant and malignant conditions within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design All patients over the age of 18 awaiting surgery for benign, pre-malignant or malignant conditions within the gynecologic oncology, surgical oncology and colorectal services across Northwell Health were eligible for participation. Upon successful enrollment, participants completed a baseline questionnaire consisting of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Brief-Illness Patient Questionnaire. Results The surgical delay was considered moderately to extremely concerning by 72 % of survey respondents, with one third indicating the highest (10/10) level of concern. Fifty-five percent of patients with a pre-operatively suspected/confirmed cancer or pre-malignant condition demonstrated mild to severe anxiety in their completion of the GAD-7 scale. The average time awaiting surgery was 117 days (range 8-292); and 63 % of respondents indicated that the delay had a moderate to severe impact on their daily life. Conclusions Patients awaiting surgery for confirmed, suspected or pre-malignant conditions expressed decreased sense of control and increased levels of distress compared to patients awaiting procedures for benign conditions (p < 0.05, 95 % CI [-2.65, -0.08]). Future research will focus on the effects of COVID-19 related delays in operative care on clinical outcomes, including cancer morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Soloff
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 270-05 76 Avenue, Queens, NY 11040, United States
| | - Trey Keel
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States
| | - Aaron Nizam
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 270-05 76 Avenue, Queens, NY 11040, United States
| | - Gary L. Goldberg
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 270-05 76 Avenue, Queens, NY 11040, United States
- Karches Center for Oncology Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, United States
| | - Antoinette Sakaris
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 270-05 76 Avenue, Queens, NY 11040, United States
| | - Michael A. Diefenbach
- Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States
| | - Danielle K. DePeralta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 270-05 76 Avenue, Queens, NY 11040, United States
| | - Marina Frimer
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 270-05 76 Avenue, Queens, NY 11040, United States
- Karches Center for Oncology Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, United States
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18
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McInerney CD, Kotzé A, Bacon S, Cutting JE, Fisher L, Goldacre B, Johnson OA, Kua J, McGuckin D, Mehrkar A, Moonesinghe SR. Postoperative mortality and complications in patients with and without pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection: a service evaluation of 24 million linked records using OpenSAFELY. Anaesthesia 2023; 78:692-700. [PMID: 36958018 PMCID: PMC7616145 DOI: 10.1111/anae.16001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Surgical decision-making after SARS-CoV-2 infection is influenced by the presence of comorbidity, infection severity and whether the surgical problem is time-sensitive. Contemporary surgical policy to delay surgery is informed by highly heterogeneous country-specific guidance. We evaluated surgical provision in England during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess real-world practice and whether deferral remains necessary. Using the OpenSAFELY platform, we adapted the COVIDSurg protocol for a service evaluation of surgical procedures that took place within the English NHS from 17 March 2018 to 17 March 2022. We assessed whether hospitals adhered to guidance not to operate on patients within 7 weeks of an indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional outcomes were postoperative all-cause mortality (30 days, 6 months) and complications (pulmonary, cardiac, cerebrovascular). The exposure was the interval between the most recent indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent surgery. In any 6-month window, < 3% of surgical procedures were conducted within 7 weeks of an indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality for surgery conducted within 2 weeks of a positive test in the era since widespread SARS-CoV-2 vaccine availability was 1.1%, declining to 0.3% by 4 weeks. Compared with the COVIDSurg study cohort, outcomes for patients in the English NHS cohort were better during the COVIDSurg data collection period and the pandemic era before vaccines became available. Clinicians within the English NHS followed national guidance by operating on very few patients within 7 weeks of a positive indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In England, surgical patients' overall risk following an indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection is lower than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D McInerney
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, UK
- School of Computing, University of Leeds, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Bradford, UK
| | - A Kotzé
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, UK
| | - S Bacon
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - J E Cutting
- Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | - L Fisher
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - B Goldacre
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - O A Johnson
- School of Computing, University of Leeds, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Bradford, UK
| | - J Kua
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Department of Targeted Intervention, Centre for Peri-operative Medicine, University College London, UK
| | - D McGuckin
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Department of Targeted Intervention, Centre for Peri-operative Medicine, University College London, UK
| | - A Mehrkar
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - S R Moonesinghe
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Department of Targeted Intervention, Centre for Peri-operative Medicine, University College London, UK
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19
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Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer surgery. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.7739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: In accordance with the guidelines published during the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer operations, except for emergencies, were postponed. However, the effect of postponed surgical treatment on the outcomes of cancer cases has not yet been determined. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinical data and outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer before and during the pandemic.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery. Patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer during the pre-pandemic period (February 1, 2019-December 31, 2019) and pandemic period (August 1, 2020-June 30, 2021) were included. The patients’ demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, clinical presentation, operation type, complications, and pathology results were retrospectively obtained by screening the patient files.
Results: The study included a total of 183 patients, 91 in the pre-pandemic period and 92 in the pandemic period. During the pandemic period, the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter, but the rate of readmission after discharge was significantly higher (P<0.001, P=0.04). There was no significant difference between the two periods in terms of disease stage. During the pandemic period, the number of cases that underwent emergency surgery was significantly higher. The rates of mortality and postoperative complication rates were also significantly higher (P=0.04, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The pandemic had serious effects on colorectal cancer cases. There was an increase in mortality and morbidity due to the increase in complicated cases.
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20
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Cheng D, Ghoshal S, Zattra O, Flash M, Lang M, Liu R, Lev MH, Hirsch JA, Saini S, Gee MS, Succi MD. Trends in oncological imaging during the COVID-19 pandemic through the vaccination era. Cancer Med 2023; 12:9902-9911. [PMID: 36775966 PMCID: PMC10166903 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on computed tomography (CT)-based oncologic imaging utilization. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed cancer-related CT scans during four time periods: pre-COVID (1/5/20-3/14/20), COVID peak (3/15/20-5/2/20), post-COVID peak (5/3/20-12/19/20), and vaccination period (12/20/20-10/30/21). We analyzed CTs by imaging indication, setting, and hospital type. Using percentage decrease computation and Student's t-test, we calculated the change in mean number of weekly cancer-related CTs for all periods compared to the baseline pre-COVID period. This study was performed at a single academic medical center and three affiliated hospitals. RESULTS During the COVID peak, mean CTs decreased (-43.0%, p < 0.001), with CTs for (1) cancer screening, (2) initial workup, (3) cancer follow-up, and (4) scheduled surveillance of previously treated cancer dropping by 81.8%, 56.3%, 31.7%, and 45.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). During the post-COVID peak period, cancer screenings and initial workup CTs did not return to prepandemic imaging volumes (-11.4%, p = 0.028; -20.9%, p = 0.024). The ED saw increases in weekly CTs compared to prepandemic levels (+31.9%, p = 0.008), driven by increases in cancer follow-up CTs (+56.3%, p < 0.001). In the vaccination period, cancer screening CTs did not recover to baseline (-13.5%, p = 0.002) and initial cancer workup CTs doubled (+100.0%, p < 0.001). The ED experienced increased cancer-related CTs (+75.9%, p < 0.001), driven by cancer follow-up CTs (+143.2%, p < 0.001) and initial workups (+46.9%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The pandemic continues to impact cancer care. We observed significant declines in cancer screening CTs through the end of 2021. Concurrently, we observed a 2× increase in initial cancer workup CTs and a 2.4× increase in cancer follow-up CTs in the ED during the vaccination period, suggesting a boom of new cancers and more cancer examinations associated with emergency level acute care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Cheng
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Soham Ghoshal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ottavia Zattra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Moses Flash
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Min Lang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raymond Liu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael H Lev
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua A Hirsch
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjay Saini
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael S Gee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc D Succi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Kashiwagura N, Motoi F, Cooray U, Fukase R, Katayama Y, Osaka K, Murakami M, Ikeda T. Effects of the different periods and magnitude of COVID-19 infection spread on cancer operations: Interrupted time series analysis of medical claims data. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4707-4714. [PMID: 36127816 PMCID: PMC9538599 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5259] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No clear evidence exists regarding the effects of the different periods and magnitude of spread of the COVID-19 infection on cancer treatments. This study investigated the effects of the different periods and magnitude of COVID-19 infection spread on in-hospital cancer operations. METHODS Medical claims data from 17 hospitals where in-hospital operations for patients with malignant neoplasms were performed between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2021 in Yamagata were extracted and analyzed. The critical time points as exposure used to evaluate the impact of different COVID-19 infection spread periods on cancer operations were (1) April 2020 (emergency declaration introduced by the government) and (2) December 2020 (the second wave). From April to November 2020 and December 2020 to March 21, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases was 130 and 840, respectively. The 17 hospitals were classified into intervention or control groups based on whether in-hospital treatments for patients with COVID-19 were provided. RESULTS The interrupted time series analysis reported that the difference in the trend of pre-COVID-19 and postsecond wave (March 2020 to December 2020) periods was statistically significant between groups, with 50.67 fewer operations (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.19-89.15) performed per month in the intervention group compared with the control group. Moreover, the immediate change in the number of operations in April 2020 (beginning of the first wave) was statistically significant between groups, with 80.14 operations (95% CI = 39.62-120.67) less immediately after the first wave in the intervention group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a statement of emergency by the government and the COVID-19 infection spread are both associated with the number of cancer operations performed in the Yamagata prefecture during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsue Kashiwagura
- Department of Health Policy Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan.,Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fuyuhiko Motoi
- Department of Surgery I, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Upul Cooray
- Department of International and Community Oral Health, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryu Fukase
- Department of Health Policy Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Ken Osaka
- Department of International and Community Oral Health, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayasu Murakami
- Department of Health Policy Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ikeda
- Department of Health Policy Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan.,Department of International and Community Oral Health, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
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22
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Martínez-Pérez C, Turnbull AK, Kay C, Dixon JM. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:67-86. [PMID: 36633402 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2162043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While endocrine therapy is the standard-of-care adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancers, there is also extensive evidence for the role of pre-operative (or neoadjuvant) endocrine therapy (NET) in HR+ postmenopausal women. AREAS COVERED We conducted a thorough review of the published literature, to summarize the evidence to date, including studies of how NET compares to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which NET agents are preferable, and the optimal duration of NET. We describe the importance of on-treatment assessment of response, the different predictors available (including Ki67, PEPI score, and molecular signatures) and the research opportunities the pre-operative setting offers. We also summarize recent combination trials and discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic led to increases in NET use for safe management of cases with deferred surgery and adjuvant treatments. EXPERT OPINION NET represents a safe and effective tool for the management of postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- breast cancer, enabling disease downstaging and a wider range of surgical options. Aromatase inhibitors are the preferred NET, with evidence suggesting that longer regimens might yield optimal results. However, NET remains currently underutilised in many territories and institutions. Further validation of predictors for treatment response and benefit is needed to help standardise and fully exploit the potential of NET in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Pérez
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Breast Cancer Now Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Arran K Turnbull
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Breast Cancer Now Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Charlene Kay
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Breast Cancer Now Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - J Michael Dixon
- Translational Oncology Research Group, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Breast Cancer Now Research Team, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Breast Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland
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23
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Collins RA, DiGennaro C, Beninato T, Gartland RM, Chaves N, Broekhuis JM, Reddy L, Lee J, Deimiller A, Alterio MM, Campbell MJ, Lee YJ, Khilnani TK, Stewart LA, O’Brien MA, Alvarado MVY, Zheng F, McAneny D, Liou R, McManus C, Dream SY, Wang TS, Yen TW, Alhefdhi A, Finnerty BM, Fahey TJ, Graves CE, Laird AM, Nehs MA, Drake FT, Lee JA, McHenry CR, James BC, Pasieka JL, Kuo JH, Lubitz CC. Limited disease progression in endocrine surgery patients with treatment delays due to COVID-19. Surgery 2023; 173:93-100. [PMID: 36210185 PMCID: PMC9420726 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the delivery of care and timing of elective surgical procedures. Most endocrine-related operations were considered elective and safe to postpone, providing a unique opportunity to assess clinical outcomes under protracted treatment plans. METHODS American Association of Endocrine Surgeon members were surveyed for participation. A Research Electronic Data Capture survey was developed and distributed to 27 institutions to assess the impact of COVID-19-related delays. The information collected included patient demographics, primary diagnosis, resumption of care, and assessment of disease progression by the surgeon. RESULTS Twelve out of 27 institutions completed the survey (44.4%). Of 850 patients, 74.8% (636) were female; median age was 56 (interquartile range, 44-66) years. Forty percent (34) of patients had not been seen since their original surgical appointment was delayed; 86.2% (733) of patients had a delay in care with women more likely to have a delay (87.6% vs 82.2% of men, χ2 = 3.84, P = .05). Median duration of delay was 70 (interquartile range, 42-118) days. Among patients with a delay in care, primary disease site included thyroid (54.2%), parathyroid (37.2%), adrenal (6.5%), and pancreatic/gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (1.3%). In addition, 4.0% (26) of patients experienced disease progression and 4.1% (24) had a change from the initial operative plan. The duration of delay was not associated with disease progression (P = .96) or a change in operative plan (P = .66). CONCLUSION Although some patients experienced disease progression during COVID-19 delays to endocrine disease-related care, most patients with follow-up did not. Our analysis indicated that temporary delay may be an acceptable course of action in extreme circumstances for most endocrine-related surgical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan A. Collins
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX,Institute of Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Catherine DiGennaro
- Institute of Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Toni Beninato
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | | | - Natalia Chaves
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Jordan M. Broekhuis
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lekha Reddy
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Jenna Lee
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | | | - Maeve M. Alterio
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA
| | | | - Yeon Joo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | | | - Latoya A. Stewart
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Mollie A. O’Brien
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, MA
| | | | - Feibi Zheng
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - David McAneny
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, MA
| | - Rachel Liou
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Sophie Y. Dream
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Tracy S. Wang
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Tina W. Yen
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Amal Alhefdhi
- Department of General Surgery, Breast and Endocrine Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brendan M. Finnerty
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Thomas J. Fahey
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | | | - Amanda M. Laird
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Matthew A. Nehs
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - James A. Lee
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Christopher R. McHenry
- Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Benjamin C. James
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Janice L. Pasieka
- Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer H. Kuo
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Carrie Cunningham Lubitz
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Institute of Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Reprint requests: Carrie Cunningham Lubitz, MD, MPH, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114
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24
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Fasano GA, Bayard S, Gillot T, Hannibal Z, Pedreira M, Newman L. Disparities in Time to Treatment for Breast Cancer: Existing Knowledge and Future Directions in the COVID-19 Era. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022; 14:213-221. [PMID: 36530340 PMCID: PMC9735127 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Despite significant advances in detection and treatment for breast cancer, the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women remains 40% higher than that for White women. Timely work-up and treatment improve outcomes, yet no gold standard exists for which to guide providers. Recent Findings A large body of literature demonstrates disparities in time to treatment for breast cancer, and most studies show that Black women receive treatment later than their White counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has been projected to worsen these disparities, but the extent of this impact remains unknown. Summary In this review, we describe the available evidence on disparities in time to treatment, potential drivers, and possible mitigation strategies. Future research must address how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the timely treatment of breast cancer patients, particularly populations vulnerable to disparate outcomes. Improved access to multidisciplinary breast programs, patient navigation services, and establishment of standards for timely treatment are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve A. Fasano
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Solange Bayard
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Tamika Gillot
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Zuri Hannibal
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Marian Pedreira
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
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25
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Fransvea P, Botteri E, Miranda G, Pio Evoli L, Ortenzi M, Giordano A, Argenio G, Sartori A, Azzinnaro A, Marini P, ACOI Giovani Group. The ALIGHIERI survey. G Chir 2022; 42:e11. [DOI: 10.1097/ia9.0000000000000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Background:
The present survey aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Italian scenario concerning general surgery during the first wave coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and evaluate the experiences, trends, attitudes, and possible educational outcomes that this emergency brought to light.
Methods:
A 31-item survey was designed and edited by the scientific board of the Associazione Chirurghi Ospedalieri Italiani (ACOI), addressing the impact of the pandemic outbreak on surgical staff and activity during the period from 9 March to 30 May 2020 (phase 1, lockdown period) and addressing the status of surgical activity, staff, and surgery resumption in the period from 1 June to 30 September 2020 (phase 3, restart). The survey was distributed via email and social media to Italian general surgeon working both in COVID-19 and non–COVID-19 hospitals.
Results:
One thousand two hundred and three valid answers were collected for section 1, and 583 for section 2. Fifty percent of the surgery units involved in the study reported that the pandemic had negatively affected their ability to provide surgical assistance. Elective procedures were suppressed for nononcological diseases in 75% of the cases. Seventy-five percent of respondents prioritized oncological surgery over other procedures. During the restart period, the overall surgical activity was resumed entirely only in the 21% of the involved hospital.
Conclusion:
It will be crucial to organize a “recovery plan” t for all the surgical procedures postponed following a spoke-hub model. When “normal circumstances” will be re-established and a clear need for an organization on a national basis to face the subsequent pandemic outbreaks maintaining surgical activity as steady as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Fransvea
- UOC Chirurgia d’urgenza e del Trauma, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Botteri
- Department of Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Montichiari, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Miranda
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessio Giordano
- General and Emergency Surgery Unit, Santo Stefano Hospital, Prato, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Sartori
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Ospedale Di Montebelluna, Montebelluna, Italy
| | | | - Pierluigi Marini
- Department of General, Emergency Surgery and New Technologies, San Camillo-Forlanini Regional Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Radomski SN, Florissi I, Khan H, Siddiqi A, Paneitz DC, Johnston FM, Greer JB. Feasibility of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for advanced peritoneal surface tumors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-institution experience. J Surg Oncol 2022; 126:1375-1382. [PMID: 36081374 PMCID: PMC9538532 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27083] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex treatment used in selected patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. HIPEC procedures are time and resource intensive. The primary aim of this analysis was to compare the experience of treating advanced abdominal tumors with CRS‐HIPEC before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Methods Patients included in this analysis received CRS‐HIPEC at a single center during either a prepandemic (March 18, 2019–March 17, 2020) or pandemic (March 18, 2020–February 5, 2021) interval. A retrospective chart review was performed. Results Our analysis included 67 patients: 30 (45%) treated prepandemic and 37 (55%) treated during the pandemic. Median age at the time of operation was 58 years (interquartile range: [49–65]); 53% of patients were women. Patients treated during the pandemic presented with higher peritoneal cancer index (PCI) scores with 32% (n = 12) having a PCI > 20 at the time of surgery (p = 0.01). Five patients had delays in surgery due to the pandemic. Rates of overall postoperative morbidity, reoperation, and readmission were not different between the cohorts. Conclusions Despite presenting with more extensive disease, patients treated with CRS‐HIPEC during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic had comparable perioperative outcomes to patients treated prepandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon N Radomski
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Isabella Florissi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hamza Khan
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amn Siddiqi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dane C Paneitz
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fabian M Johnston
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan B Greer
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Hesary FB, Salehiniya H. The Impact of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Diagnosis, Treatment, Concerns, Problems, and Mental Health in Patients with Gastric Cancer. J Gastrointest Cancer 2022; 53:797-804. [PMID: 34519975 PMCID: PMC8438101 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00692-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 epidemic has had different effects on many diseases, including gastric cancer. Due to COVID-19 epidemic the importance of knowing the effects of the epidemic in patients to deal with it, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the diagnosis, treatment, concerns, problems, and mental health of patients with gastric cancer. METHODS The present study was a systematic review by searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the keywords of COVID-19 and gastric cancer. The articles that addressed any aspect of COVID-19 epidemic on diagnosis, treatment, problems, and mental health in patients with gastric cancer were included; the data were qualitatively summarized and presented in related tables. RESULTS A total 22 articles were included. The effects of COVID-19 on gastric cancer were divided into four categories of the effects of COVID-19 on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, concerns, and problems and mental health of patients with gastric cancer. The COVID-19 epidemic has reduced the number of screenings, altered treatment, and delayed or discontinued treatment, which caused problems and concerns such as sleep disturbances and stress. CONCLUSION Considering the effects of COVID-19 epidemic on gastric cancer and on the other hand, the continuation of the epidemic in the society, it is necessary for the officials and experts of the health system to design and implement necessary interventions to minimize the negative effects of epidemic on patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Baghernezhad Hesary
- Department of Public Health, Ghayen School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hamid Salehiniya
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Ganai FM, Dar AM, Lone GN, Afroze D. Better cardioprotection in atrial septal defect patients treated with cardiopulmonary bypass beating heart technique without the application of aortic cross clamp. IMC JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.55010/imcjms.17.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: Creatine phosphokinase-myocardial band fraction (CPK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are cardiac specific biochemical markers which are raised in myocardial ischemia. The aim of this study was to determine cardiac injury by comparing the levels of cardiac enzymes CPK-MB and cTnI in atrial septal defect (ASD) patients whose operative repair was done under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using beating heart technique with and without the application of aortic cross clamp.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery in a Tertiary Care Hospital over a period of 2 years. A total of 60 atrial septal defect (ASD) patients were operated and repair of the defect was done under the CPB using beating heart technique. Aortic cross clamp was applied in 22 patients (Group-A) while 38 patients were operated without cross clamp (Group-B) during the procedure. Blood samples were collected 24 hours prior and 12 hours post procedure for the estimation of CPK MB and cTnI levels.
Results: Mean age of the atrial septal defect patients was 23.83±10.97 years and 60% and 40% of the patients were females and children (age < 18 years) respectively. Serum CPK-MB and cTnI l levels were in the normal range in all the patients before surgery and increased significantly post procedure. Twelve hours after surgery, the mean CPK-MB and cTnI levels were significantly low in Group-B patients compared to Group-A patients (CPK-MB: 56.39±23.55 U/L vs. 34.38±15.97U/L , p= 0.0004; cTnI: 9.37±4.97 ng/ml vs. 5.92±4.17ng/ml, p = 0.009).
Conclusion: Post surgery CPK-MB and cTnI levels were significantly higher in ASD patients who underwent CPB surgery with aortic cross clamp compared to those in whom aortic cross clamp was not applied. Therefore, application of aortic cross clamp during the procedure induces greater levels of ischemic injury to the heart.
IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(1): 001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.001
*Correspondence: Feroze Mohammad Ganai, Department of CVTS, Superspeciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Email address: ferose999@yahoo.com
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Affiliation(s)
- Feroze Mohammad Ganai
- Department of CVTS, Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Abdul Majeed Dar
- Department of CVTS, SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ghulam Nabi Lone
- Department of CVTS, SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Venkataramany BS, Sutton JM. The Importance of Social Determinants of Health for Cancer Patients in the Era of COVID-19. Cureus 2022; 14:e27993. [PMID: 36120243 PMCID: PMC9469753 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a challenge for public health professionals, researchers, clinicians, and patients. One group that has experienced significant difficulties during this time is cancer patients. Data regarding this vulnerable population is scarce, despite novel information about vaccine efficacy, therapeutics, mutations, and comorbidities. In this article, we discuss the need for a greater study of social determinants of health (SDOH) for cancer patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of SDOH on population health are generally well-understood, but their effects on cancer patients are poorly understood. We further pose questions that may be starting points for the investigation of SDOH in cancer patients during this time. Using SDOH as a tool for more effective clinical care will promote the development of targeted interventions to study and improve outcomes in this population.
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Carissimi F, Scotti MA, Ciulli C, Fogliati A, Uggeri F, Chiarelli M, Braga M, Romano F, Garancini M. COVID-19 and Liver Surgery: How the Pandemic Affected an Italian Medium-Volume HBP Center. Front Surg 2022; 9:918348. [PMID: 35836608 PMCID: PMC9275712 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.918348] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, it is even more evident that victims of the pandemic are not only those who contract the virus, but also the countless patients suffering from other serious diseases (i.e., tumor) who have undergone delayed potentially life-saving surgery due to a lack of beds. Like many hospitals, ours also initially blocked all elective oncologic surgery, but these operations were "recovered" and reintegrated in a relatively short time, thanks to the establishment of COVID-free wards and operating rooms with staff dedicated to oncological surgery. In tis context, our aim is to assess whether and how the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has impacted our hepatobiliary surgery unit. METHODS From our prospective database, we retrospectively took data from patients undergoing liver surgery in 2018-2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020-2021 (COVID period). Patients admitted to COVID-free wards must necessarily have a negative nasal swab from the previous 24 h. RESULTS Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019 (Group 1), 101 patients were treated; during the pandemic [January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021 (Group 2)], 126 patients were treated. There was no statistical difference between the groups. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days for both groups; 7 patients had major complications (Clavien-Dindo > 3) in Group 1 and 11 in Group 2 (p = 0.795). A total of 4 patients died in Group 1 and 6 during the pandemic (p = 0.754). Tumor burden was significantly greater in Group 2 where nodule size, lymphadenectomy, and extrahepatic disease were significantly greater (p = 0.011, p = 0.004, and p = 0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION During the COVID pandemic, our HPB unit managed to offer a volume of tertiary-center hepatobiliary surgery without a significant impact in terms of length of stay, morbidity, or mortality despite the increase in tumor burden during the pandemic years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carissimi
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Alessandro Scotti
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Ciulli
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fogliati
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Uggeri
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Braga
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Romano
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Garancini
- Department of Surgery, HPB and Gastroenterological Surgery Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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Sorice-Virk S, Patel V, Christopher AN, Morris MP, Broach RB, Rothman JD, Serletti JM. Patient Perceptions of Cancer and Reconstructive Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Plast Surg (Oakv) 2022. [PMCID: PMC9240721 DOI: 10.1177/22925503221101938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly
impacted care for breast cancer patients. Oncologic and reconstructive surgeries
were delayed as hospitals attempted to preserve personal protective equipment
and bed capacity. Little is known about how this unprecedented time has affected
breast cancer patients’ mental health and perceptions regarding their care.
Methods: A survey was sent to surgical oncology and plastic
surgery patients who received breast cancer care between March and May 2020,
during which our institution suspended elective surgery. The survey questions
included patient demographics, as well as questions focused on worries related
to COVID-19, individualized cancer and reconstructive care, and patient
satisfaction with telemedicine. Descriptive statistics were used to assess
patient responses. Results: 56 breast cancer patients completed the
survey, which reflected a 25% response rate. A majority of patients expressed
moderate concern about contracting COVID-19, accessing high-quality cancer care
(78%), and receiving timely surgical care (68%). Only 43% of patients reported
delays in their surgical cancer and reconstructive care, when in actuality 57%
of patients experienced surgical delays. Overall, patients were satisfied with
telemedicine and did not feel it negatively impacted their care (69%).
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions of
routine oncologic and reconstructive care for breast cancer patients. Patients
were concerned about receiving high-quality cancer and reconstructive care, and
the results of this study uncovered gaps in patient–physician communication. The
implementation of telemedicine was received positively. These data can be used
to improve future health system practices as the medical community faces new
potential shutdowns of surgical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sorice-Virk
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida Health Division of Plastic Surgery, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Viren Patel
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adrienne N. Christopher
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martin P. Morris
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robyn B. Broach
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jami D. Rothman
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph M. Serletti
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Paul SK, Joshi A, Goel A, Singh G, Paul D, Dhiman M, Singh M. Non-COVID surgical load of operation theatre during COVID-19 pandemic in Armed Forces tertiary care centres: "Snapshot of two timelines". Med J Armed Forces India 2022; 80:S0377-1237(22)00066-1. [PMID: 35722446 PMCID: PMC9188668 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2022.04.016] [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: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to major changes in the surgical caseloads in the operation theatres across the world. Elective surgeries have been curtailed to a great extent and the number of emergency surgeries has risen. We conducted a study to assess the changes in the surgical caseloads in two tertiary care hospitals in India during the pandemic and to assess the changes in anaesthesia techniques used. Methods A multicentre retrospective observational study conducted at two tertiary care centres located 1500 kms apart. Hospital A in a city with high incidence of COVID-19 and Hospital B with a lighter load of COVID-19 cases. Record of all major surgeries carried out between 01Jul 2020 and 31 Dec 2020 were compared with the surgeries carried out between 01 Jul 2019 and 31 Dec 2019. Results There was a decrease of almost 53% in elective surgical workload in hospital A and 71% in hospital B. The decrease in the cases was not similar across all specialities. There was a significant increase in the percentage of emergency surgeries from 11.1% to 24% in hospital A and from 22.1% to 29.8% in hospital B in the year 2020. A statistically significant increase in regional anaesthesia and neuraxial blockade was noted in the year 2020 in both the hospitals. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of elective surgical cases has significantly decreased in specialities like ophthalmology whereas there was no change in the surgical workload in specialities like obstetrics, oncology, orthopaedics, and neurosurgery. There was significant increase in the use of regional and neuraxial techniques of anaesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamik Kumar Paul
- Classified Specialist (Anaesthesiology & Neuroanaesthesiology), Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Arjun Joshi
- Classified Specialist (Anaesthesiology), 153 General Hospital, C/o 56 APO, India
| | - Akhil Goel
- Classified Specialist (Anaesthesiology), Trained in Paediatric Anaesthesiology, Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, India
| | - Gunjan Singh
- Classified Specialist (Anaesthesiology), Trained in Paediatric Anaesthesiology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Debashish Paul
- Classified Specialist (Anaesthesiology), Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Mayank Dhiman
- Junior Resident (Anaesthesiology & Critical Care), Command Hospital (Western Command), Chandimandir, India
| | - Mithunjeet Singh
- Junior Resident (Anaesthesiology & Critical Care), Command Hospital (Western Command), Chandimandir, India
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Silvia C, Denis C, Mario C, Luigi V, Federico T, Marcello C. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer's Tumor Burden and Care: a Multi-Center Study based in Northern Italy. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2022; 75:3616-3621. [PMID: 35918285 PMCID: PMC9217060 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2022.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The brisk remodeling in healthcare delivery observed after the COVID-19 outbreak led us to evaluate how the pandemic affected non-melanoma skin cancer's (NMSC) care and tumor burden. To address this topic, we set up a retrospective real-life multi-center study based on the cities of Bergamo and Varese, whose provinces were the worst hit in Italy by the pandemic. We analyzed medical and pathological data from patients that underwent surgery in the two months preceding the outbreak in Italy and compared them to those who did in the corresponding bimester of the following year, reaching 214 patients and 274 lesions. We observed a considerable and significant increase in NMSC's diameter, as well as in the proportion of squamous cell carcinomas. Both the average waiting time to obtain an evaluation visit and the average time in the surgical waiting list was shorter after the COVID-19 outbreak: the reason is that we evaluated and operated near-exclusive patients affected by high-priority lesions, who benefited from “fast-track” referrals. Conversely, less-concerning lesions were, and still are, left on hold, until they will become advanced enough to be labeled as “urgent”. Plastic surgery departments should evade as soon as possible from this downward spiral, in order to provide our patients with timely cancer care and to be able to treat all plastic surgery-requiring pathologies.
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Teo ZHT, Huey CWT, Low JK, Junnarkar SP, Shelat VG. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Services in Singapore: Retrospective Quantitative Study. JMIR Perioper Med 2022; 5:e29045. [PMID: 35486909 PMCID: PMC9128730 DOI: 10.2196/29045] [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: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) unit had to reorganize its surgical case volume due to the rationing of health care resources. We report on a local audit evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on the HPB unit and the HPB surgical oncology practice. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HPB unit's elective and emergency surgical cases. The secondary aims were to investigate the impact on the HPB surgical oncology operative case volume. METHODS We performed a comparative audit of the HPB unit surgical case volume for January-June 2019 (baseline) and 2020 (COVID-19). Elective and emergency cases performed under general anesthesia were audited. Elective cases included hernia and gallbladder operations and liver and pancreatic resections. Emergency cases included cholecystectomies and laparotomies performed for general surgical indications. We excluded endoscopies and procedures done under local anesthesia. The retrospective data collected during the 2 time periods were compared. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000040265). RESULTS The elective surgical case volume decreased by 41.8% (351 cases in 2019 compared to 204 cases in 2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of hernia operations decreased by 63.9% (155 in 2019 compared to 56 in 2020; P<.001) and cholecystectomies decreased by 40.1% (157 in 2019 compared to 94 in 2020; P=.83). The liver and pancreatic resection volume increased by 16.7% (30 cases in 2019 compared to 35 cases in 2020; P=.004) and 111.1% (9 cases in 2019 compared to 19 cases in 2020; P=.001), respectively. The emergency surgical workload decreased by 40.9% (193 cases in 2019 compared to 114 cases in 2020). The most significant reduction in the emergency workload was observed in March (41 to 23 cases, a 43.9% reduction; P=.94), April (35 to 8 cases, a 77.1% reduction; P=.01), and May (32 to 14 cases, a 56.3% reduction; P=.39); however, only April had a statistically significant reduction in workload (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS The reallocation of resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic did not adversely impact elective HPB oncology work. With prudent measures in place, essential surgical services can be maintained during a pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000040265); https://tinyurl.com/ms9kpr6x.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jee Keem Low
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Vishalkumar G Shelat
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Aftab I, Ahmed A, Mumu S, Hossain MM. Management strategy for control and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital settings - a brief review. IMC JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.55010/imcjms.16.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic of COVID-19 has spread worldwide rapidly. Many countries are struggling with the third pandemic wave despite having the vaccine distribution to frontline workers and people at high risk. Several studies have suggested a high possibility of hospital-acquired COVID-19. Therefore, it is vital to have proper recommendations and guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission in hospitals. Eliminating hospital-acquired infection is impossible, but reducing the rate and severity is possible by following appropriate guidelines. This paper reviews the strategies and recommendations that can be helpful for a hospital authority to control and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection among the patients and healthcare workers.
IMC J Med Sci 2022; 16(2): 006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.16.016
*Correspondence: Akash Ahmed, Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: akash.ahmed@bracu.ac.bd
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishrat Aftab
- Department of Sports and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Akash Ahmed
- Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sinthia Mumu
- Department of Biology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, USA
| | - M Mahboob Hossain
- Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Ludwig K, Wexelman B, Chen S, Cheng G, DeSnyder S, Golesorkhi N, Greenup R, James T, Lee B, Pockaj B, Vuong B, Fluharty S, Fuentes E, Rao R. Home Recovery After Mastectomy: Review of Literature and Strategies for Implementation American Society of Breast Surgeons Working Group. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:5799-5808. [PMID: 35503389 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11799-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practices regarding recovery after mastectomy vary significantly, including overnight stay versus discharge same day. Expanded use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) algorithms and the recent COVID pandemic have led to increased number of patients who undergo home recovery after mastectomy (HRAM). METHODS The Patient Safety Quality Committee of the American Society of Breast Surgeons created a multispecialty working group to review the literature evaluating HRAM after mastectomy with and without implant-based reconstruction. A literature review was performed regarding this topic; the group then developed guidance for patient selection and tools for implementation. RESULTS Multiple, retrospective series have reported that patients discharged day of mastectomy have similar risk of complications compared with those kept overnight, including risk of hematoma (0-5.1%). Multimodal strategies that improve nausea and analgesia improve likelihood of HRAM. Patients who undergo surgery in ambulatory surgery centers and by high-volume breast surgeons are more likely to be discharged day of surgery. When evaluating unplanned return to care, the only significant factors are African American race and increased comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Review of current literature demonstrates that HRAM is a safe option in appropriate patients. Choice of method of recovery should consider patient factors, such as comorbidities and social situation, and requires input from the multidisciplinary team. Preoperative education regarding pain management, drain care, and after-hour access to medical care are crucial components to a successful program. Additional investigation is needed as these programs become more prevalent to assess quality measures such as unplanned return to care, complications, and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandice Ludwig
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | | | | | - Gloria Cheng
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ted James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Brooke Vuong
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Turgeman I, Goshen‐Lago T, Waldhorn I, Karov K, Groisman L, Reiner Benaim A, Almog R, Halberthal M, Ben‐Aharon I. Psychosocial perspectives among cancer patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis: An observational longitudinal study. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 5:e1506. [PMID: 34405968 PMCID: PMC8420321 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and consequent changes in medical practice have engendered feelings of distress in diverse populations, potentially adversely affecting the psychological well-being of cancer patients. AIM The purpose of this observational longitudinal study was to evaluate psychosocial perspectives among patients with cancer on intravenous treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND RESULTS The study recruited 164 cancer patients undergoing intravenous anti-neoplastic therapy in a tertiary cancer center. Psychosocial indices were assessed at two points in time, corresponding with the beginning of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Israel (March 2020) and the time of easing of restrictions implemented to curtail spread of infection (May 2020). At Time 1 (T1), elevated COVID-19 distress levels (score 1 and 2 on 5-point scale) were observed in 44% of patients, and associated with pre-existing hypertension and lung disease in multivariate analyses but no demographic or cancer related factors. At Time 2 (T2), 10% had elevated anxiety and 24% depression as indicated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A/D). COVID-19 distress at T1 was related to higher levels of HADS-A at T2 (Spearman 0.33 p < .01), but not HADS-D. Patients with breast cancer expressed greater COVID-19 distress compared with other cancer types (p < .01), while both HADS-A and HADS-D were highest for patients with GI cancer. Patient report of loneliness and decreased support from relatives were factors associated with HADS-A (p = .03 and p < .01, respectively), while HADS-D was not similarly related to the factors evaluated. CONCLUSION Patients with cancer undergoing intravenous treatment may be vulnerable to acute adverse psychological ramifications of COVID-19, specifically exhibiting high levels of anxiety. These appear unrelated to patient age or disease stage. Those with underlying comorbidities, breast cancer or reduced social support may be at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilit Turgeman
- Division of OncologyRambam Health Care CenterHaifaIsrael
| | | | - Ithai Waldhorn
- Division of OncologyRambam Health Care CenterHaifaIsrael
| | - Keren Karov
- Division of OncologyRambam Health Care CenterHaifaIsrael
| | - Leora Groisman
- Division of OncologyRambam Health Care CenterHaifaIsrael
| | | | - Ronit Almog
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC)Faculty of MedicineHaifaIsrael
- Epidemiology Department and BiobankRambam Health Care CampusHaifaIsrael
| | - Michael Halberthal
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC)Faculty of MedicineHaifaIsrael
- General ManagementRambam Health Care CampusHaifaIsrael
| | - Irit Ben‐Aharon
- Division of OncologyRambam Health Care CenterHaifaIsrael
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC)Faculty of MedicineHaifaIsrael
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Cavalcante FP, Abdala E, Weissmann L, Ferreira CEDS, Amorim G, de Oliveira VM, Guilgen G, Landeiro L, Pinho JRR, Pulchinelli Á, Ribeiro H, Souza R, Rosa DD. Impact of COVID-19 Disease in Early Breast Cancer Management: A Summary of the Current Evidence. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100357. [PMID: 35594492 PMCID: PMC9173577 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An expert panel on breast cancer and COVID-19 disease was convened to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for early breast cancer (eBC) management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edson Abdala
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Weissmann
- Emílio Ribas Infectious Disease Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Unaerp School of Medicine, Guarujá, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Society of Infectology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gilberto Amorim
- Oncologia D'Or, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Brazilian Breast Cancer Study Group (GBECAM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vilmar Marques de Oliveira
- Brazilian Society of Mastology, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Santa Casa de São Paulo Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisah Guilgen
- Brazilian Breast Cancer Study Group (GBECAM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Curitiba Cancer and Transplant Institute, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Nossa Senhora das Graças Hospital, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luciana Landeiro
- Núcleo de Oncologia da Bahia (NOB)—Oncoclínicas Group, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - João Renato Rebello Pinho
- Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Medical Research Laboratories LIM 03/07, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Pulchinelli
- Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Fleury Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Heber Ribeiro
- Brazilian Society of Oncology Surgery, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Souza
- Cancer Treatment Institute (ITC), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Daniela Dornelles Rosa
- Brazilian Breast Cancer Study Group (GBECAM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Lopes A, Pastore CBP, Deckers P, Halla IKMW, Dias ALR, da Mata MVM, do Nascimento Martins A, Viu MM, Lopez RVM, Yamada AD. ASO Author Reflections: Oncological Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effectiveness of Preoperative Screening and Factors Associated with Postoperative SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:2163-2164. [PMID: 34994888 PMCID: PMC8739371 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-11201-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André Lopes
- Department of Gynecology, São Camilo Oncologia, Avenida Alcantara Machado 2576, Mooca, SP, 03102-006, Brazil. .,Nucleo de Pesquisa e Ensino da Rede São Camilo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Caroline B P Pastore
- Department of Gynecology, São Camilo Oncologia, Avenida Alcantara Machado 2576, Mooca, SP, 03102-006, Brazil
| | - Paula Deckers
- Department of Gynecology, São Camilo Oncologia, Avenida Alcantara Machado 2576, Mooca, SP, 03102-006, Brazil
| | - Izabela K M W Halla
- Department of Gynecology, São Camilo Oncologia, Avenida Alcantara Machado 2576, Mooca, SP, 03102-006, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Rezende Dias
- Department of Gynecology, São Camilo Oncologia, Avenida Alcantara Machado 2576, Mooca, SP, 03102-006, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rossana Veronica Mendoza Lopez
- Faculdade de Medicina, Oncology Translational Research Center, Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo ICESP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Butantã, SP, Brazil
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Loh PS, Chaw SH, Foong YX, Ramasamy D, Zaki RA, Kuppusamy S, Ong TA, See MH, Khor HM. Psychological distress among elderly surgical patients who had their surgery postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perioper Med (Lond) 2022; 11:10. [PMID: 35296355 PMCID: PMC8926453 DOI: 10.1186/s13741-022-00242-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many institutions withheld elective lists and triaged surgeries during the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, older surgical patients have had to wait for rescheduled dates in a long waitlist. This study aimed to identify the psychological impact in these patients when they returned for surgery. Methods This was a cross-sectional study which included 153 patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing elective surgery. Trained interviewers recruited and assessed psychological status pre-operatively with two validated questionnaires - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Specific questions were asked about their postponed surgeries, appetite and fear. Results A total of 36 out of 153 (23.5%) patients had their procedures deferred during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Postponed cases were significantly based on the nature of surgery (p = 0.002), cancer diagnosis (p = 0.006) and surgical specialty (p = 0.023). Median HADS scores were higher for patients who were postponed (2.00 versus 4.00 for anxiety, p = 0.180 and 0.00 versus 1.00 for depression, p = 0.424) although no statistical significance was shown. In the whole study population, anxiety was a significant predictor for depression and vice versa (p < 0.001) with other predictive risk factors for anxiety that were age ≥ 85 years old (odds ratio [OR] 6.14, p = 0.018), female (OR 2.41, p = 0.024), cancer (OR 2.19, p = 0.039) and major surgery (OR 2.39, p = 0.023). Similarly, older patients ≥ 85 years old (OR 10.44, p = 0.003) and female (OR 6.07, p = 0.006) had higher risk for depression. Both anxiety and depression were significant risks for loss of appetite (p = 0.005 and 0.001). Lastly, the fear of disease progression due to rescheduling was more frequent in cancer patients (p = 0.035). Conclusion The mental health and disease burden of older surgical patients should be taken into careful consideration when cases need to be postponed in our healthcare system. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13741-022-00242-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui San Loh
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Sook Hui Chaw
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Xian Foong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dhurgka Ramasamy
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Teng Aik Ong
- Department of Surgery, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mee Hoong See
- Department of Surgery, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui Min Khor
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Gastric cancer during COVID-19 pandemic: What changed? JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.1072900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Williams AD, Chang C, Sigurdson ER, Wang CH, Aggon AA, Hill MV, Porpiglia A, Bleicher RJ. Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy and Delays in Surgery for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: Implications for the Coronavirus Pandemic. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:1683-1691. [PMID: 34635974 PMCID: PMC8504964 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical delays are associated with invasive cancer for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) was used as a bridge until postponed surgeries resumed. This study sought to determine the impact of NET on the rate of invasive cancer for patients with a diagnosis of DCIS who have a surgical delay compared with those not treated with NET. METHODS Using the National Cancer Database, the study identified women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) DCIS. The presence of invasion on final pathology was evaluated after stratifying by receipt of NET and by intervals based on time from diagnosis to surgery (≤30, 31-60, 61-90, 91-120, or 121-365 days). RESULTS Of 109,990 women identified with HR+ DCIS, 276 (0.3%) underwent NET. The mean duration of NET was 74.4 days. The overall unadjusted rate of invasive cancer was similar between those who received NET ((15.6%) and those who did not (12.3%) (p = 0.10). In the multivariable analysis, neither the use nor the duration of NET were independently associated with invasion, but the trend across time-to-surgery categories demonstrated a higher rate of upgrade to invasive cancer in the no-NET group (p < 0.001), but not in the NET group (p = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS This analysis of a pre-COVID cohort showed evidence for a protective effect of NET in HR+ DCIS against the development of invasive cancer as the preoperative delay increased, although an appropriately powered prospective trial is needed for a definitive answer.
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MESH Headings
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Breast Neoplasms/surgery
- COVID-19
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/surgery
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/surgery
- Female
- Humans
- Neoadjuvant Therapy
- Pandemics
- Prospective Studies
- SARS-CoV-2
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecilia Chang
- Research Institute, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Elin R Sigurdson
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chih-Hsiung Wang
- Research Institute, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Allison A Aggon
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maureen V Hill
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrea Porpiglia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard J Bleicher
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis and resection: An observational study. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101839. [PMID: 34823067 PMCID: PMC8608414 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine screening for and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. We analyzed changes in GI cancer pathology specimens resulting from diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at a single academic center in an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to determine which cancer types, procedures, and patients were impacted by the pandemic. METHODS This was a retrospective, cohort study of patients identified based on carcinoma containing pathologic specimens reviewed in our institution resulting from diagnostic or resection procedures. Pathology and medical records of patients with GI and liver carcinoma and high-grade dysplasia were reviewed from February 1 to April 30 in 2018, 2019 and 2020. We used March 16, 2020 to delineate the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 period in 2020. Chi-squared or t-tests, as appropriate, were used to compare these time periods in each year. Mann Kendall test was used to test for trend in volume. ANCOVA was used to compare differences across years. RESULTS A total of 1028 pathology samples from 949 unique patients were identified during the study period. There was a 57% drop in samples within 2020 (p = 0.01) that was not present in either 2018 or 2019 (p<0.01). In 2020, there were significantly fewer resections compared to biopsies overall in the COVID-19 period (p = 0.01). There were fewer colorectal cancer specimens (p = 0.04) which were procured from older patients (p<0.01) in the 2020 COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS In our institution, there was a significant drop in diagnostic and resection specimens of GI cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately affecting older colorectal cancer patients.
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Quero G, Pecorelli N, Paiella S, Fiorillo C, Petrone MC, Rosa F, Capretti G, Laterza V, Kauffmann E, Nobile S, Butturini G, Ferrari G, Coratti A, Casadei R, Mazzaferro V, Boggi U, Zerbi A, Salvia R, Falconi M, Alfieri S. Quantitative assessment of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pancreatic surgery: an Italian multicenter analysis of 1423 cases from 10 tertiary referral centers. Updates Surg 2022; 74:255-266. [PMID: 34817837 PMCID: PMC8611384 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-021-01171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Few evidences are present on the consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pancreatic surgery. Aim of this study is to evaluate how COVID-19 influenced the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways of surgical pancreatic diseases. A comparative analysis of surgical volumes and clinical, surgical and perioperative outcomes in ten Italian referral centers was conducted between the first semester 2020 and 2019. One thousand four hundred and twenty-three consecutive patients were included in the analysis: 638 from 2020 and 785 from 2019. Surgical volume in 2020 decreased by 18.7% (p < 0.0001). Benign/precursors diseases (- 43.4%; p < 0.0001) and neuroendocrine tumors (- 33.6%; p = 0.008) were the less treated diseases. No difference was reported in terms of discussed cases at the multidisciplinary tumor board (p = 0.43), mean time between diagnosis and neoadjuvant treatment (p = 0.91), indication to surgery and surgical resection (p = 0.35). Laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures dropped by 45.4% and 61.9%, respectively, during the lockdown weeks of 2020. No difference was documented for post-operative intensive care unit accesses (p = 0.23) and post-operative mortality (p = 0.06). The surgical volume decrease in 2020 will potentially lead, in the near future, to the diagnosis of a higher rate of advanced stage diseases. However, the reassessment of the Italian Health Service kept guarantying an adequate level of care in tertiary referral centers. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04380766.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Quero
- Department of Surgery, Gemelli Pancreatic Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- CRMPG (Advanced Pancreatic Research Center), Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolò Pecorelli
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and EUS Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paiella
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Fiorillo
- Department of Surgery, Gemelli Pancreatic Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- CRMPG (Advanced Pancreatic Research Center), Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Chiara Petrone
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and EUS Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Rosa
- Department of Surgery, Gemelli Pancreatic Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- CRMPG (Advanced Pancreatic Research Center), Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capretti
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Vito Laterza
- Department of Surgery, Gemelli Pancreatic Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- CRMPG (Advanced Pancreatic Research Center), Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Kauffmann
- Chirurgia Generale Universitaria dell'Ospedale di Cisanello, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Nobile
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Butturini
- Casa di Cura Pederzoli, Via Monte Baldo 24, 37019, Peschiera del Garda, VR, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ferrari
- Division of Minimally-Invasive Surgical Oncology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Coratti
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Robotics, Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Casadei
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Boggi
- Chirurgia Generale Universitaria dell'Ospedale di Cisanello, Via Paradisa, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zerbi
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvia
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and EUS Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Alfieri
- Department of Surgery, Gemelli Pancreatic Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- CRMPG (Advanced Pancreatic Research Center), Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
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Mohseni Afshar Z, Hosseinzadeh R, Barary M, Ebrahimpour S, Alijanpour A, Sayad B, Hosseinzadeh D, Miri SR, Sio TT, Sullman MJM, Carson‐Chahhoud K, Babazadeh A. Challenges posed by COVID-19 in cancer patients: A narrative review. Cancer Med 2022; 11:1119-1135. [PMID: 34951152 PMCID: PMC8855916 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In early 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 the sixth public health emergency of international concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected many groups within the general population, but particularly those with extant clinical conditions, such as having or being treated for cancer. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 since the malignancy and chemotherapy may negatively affect the immune system, and their immunocompromised condition also increases the risk of infection. Substantial international efforts are currently underway to develop specific methods for diagnosing and treating COVID-19. However, cancer patients' risk profiles, management, and outcomes are not well understood. Thus, the main objective of this review is to discuss the relevant evidence to understand the prognosis of COVID-19 infections in cancer patients more clearly, as well as helping to improve the clinical management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Mohseni Afshar
- Clinical Research Development CenterImam Reza HospitalKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | | | - Mohammad Barary
- Student Research CommitteeBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolIran
- Students’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC)Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research CenterHealth Research InstituteBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolIran
| | | | - Babak Sayad
- Clinical Research Development CenterImam Reza HospitalKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | | | - Seyed Rouhollah Miri
- Cancer Research CenterCancer Institute of IranTehran University of Medical ScienceTehranIran
| | - Terence T. Sio
- Department of Radiation OncologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Mark J. M. Sullman
- Department of Social SciencesUniversity of NicosiaNicosiaCyprus
- Department of Life and Health SciencesUniversity of NicosiaNicosiaCyprus
| | | | - Arefeh Babazadeh
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research CenterHealth Research InstituteBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolIran
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Chen R, Yang J, Zhao X, Fu Z, Wang Z, Qiu C, Wu Y, Yang R, Liu W, Huang Y, Chen J. Pattern of Time-to-Surgery in Patients With Breast Cancer at Different Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Oncol 2022; 11:820638. [PMID: 35096625 PMCID: PMC8790243 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.820638] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The management of cancer surgeries is under unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the breast cancer patients may face a time-delay in the treatment. This retrospective study aimed to present the pattern of time-to-surgery (TTS) and analyze the features of breast cancer patients under the different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Patients who received surgeries for breast cancers at West China Hospital between February 15, 2020 and April 30, 2020 (the outbreak and post-peak stages), and between March 10, 2021 and May 25, 2021 (the normalization stage) were included. TTS was calculated as the time interval between the pathological diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast cancer patients. And the pandemic was divided into three stages based on the time when the patients were pathologically diagnosed and the severity of pandemic at that time point. TTS, demographic and clinicopathological features were collected from medical records. Results A total of 367 patients were included. As for demographic features, it demonstrated statistically significant differences in insurance type (p<0.001) and regular screening (p<0.001), as well as age (p=0.013) and menstrual status (p=0.004). As for clinicopathological features, axillary involvement (p=0.019) was a factor that differed among three stages. The overall TTS was 23.56 ± 21.39 days. TTS for patients who were diagnosed during the outbreak of COVID-19 were longer than those diagnosed during pandemic post-peak and normalization stage (p<0.001). Pandemic stage (p<0.001) and excision biopsy before surgery (OR, 6.459; 95% CI, 2.225-18.755; p=0.001) were markedly correlated with the TTS of patients. Conclusions TTS of breast cancer patients significantly varied in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. And breast cancer patients’ daily lives and disease treatments were affected by the pandemic in many aspects, such as health insurance access, physical screening and change of therapeutic schedules. As the time-delay may cause negative influences on patients’ disease, we should minimize the occurrence of such time-delay. It is vital to come up with comprehensive measures to deal with unexpected situations in case the pandemic occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiqiao Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhoukai Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjian Qiu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhao Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruoning Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weijing Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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47
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Elkrief A, Wu JT, Jani C, Enriquez KT, Glover M, Shah MR, Shaikh HG, Beeghly-Fadiel A, French B, Jhawar SR, Johnson DB, McKay RR, Rivera DR, Reuben DY, Shah S, Tinianov SL, Vinh DC, Mishra S, Warner JL. Learning through a Pandemic: The Current State of Knowledge on COVID-19 and Cancer. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:303-330. [PMID: 34893494 PMCID: PMC8831477 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has left patients with current or past history of cancer facing disparate consequences at every stage of the cancer trajectory. This comprehensive review offers a landscape analysis of the current state of the literature on COVID-19 and cancer, including the immune response to COVID-19, risk factors for severe disease, and impact of anticancer therapies. We also review the latest data on treatment of COVID-19 and vaccination safety and efficacy in patients with cancer, as well as the impact of the pandemic on cancer care, including the urgent need for rapid evidence generation and real-world study designs. SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with cancer have faced severe consequences at every stage of the cancer journey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive review offers a landscape analysis of the current state of the field regarding COVID-19 and cancer. We cover the immune response, risk factors for severe disease, and implications for vaccination in patients with cancer, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care delivery. Overall, this review provides an in-depth summary of the key issues facing patients with cancer during this unprecedented health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Elkrief
- Division of Medical Oncology (Department of Medicine), McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie T Wu
- Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Chinmay Jani
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle T Enriquez
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Mansi R Shah
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Sachin R Jhawar
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Rana R McKay
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Donna R Rivera
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Services, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Daniel Y Reuben
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Surbhi Shah
- Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Stacey L Tinianov
- Advocates for Collaborative Education, UCSF Breast Science Advocacy Core, San Francisco, California
| | - Donald Cuong Vinh
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Department of Medicine), Divisions of Medical Microbiology and of Molecular Diagnostics (OptiLab), McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sanjay Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeremy L Warner
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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48
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Ong DY, Lee ZY, Pua U. Impact of waiting time on hepatocellular carcinoma progression in patients undergoing curative tumour ablation. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:1499-1504. [PMID: 35111642 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A feared consequence to delay in oncological treatment includes disease progression. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between waiting time for ablative therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the outcomes of local tumour progression, or new HCC foci. METHODS Between January 2011 to July 2017, 215 patients with HCC underwent ablative (microwave and radiofrequency) procedures. Demographic information, and duration between diagnosis on imaging and ablative procedure were recorded. Follow-up imaging data were analysed to assess for development of either new HCC, or local tumour progression. The median waiting time to ablative therapy was 42 days, hence, patients were separated into two groups: wait time <42 days versus wait time ≥42 days. Simple cox regression was conducted to explore the association between wait time and the clinical outcomes of new HCC or local tumour progression. Survival analyses for outcomes of new HCC or local tumour progression were also compared between the two groups using log-rank test. All the statistical analyses were two sided and P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS Hazard ratio for local tumour progression was 1.002 (0.996, 1.007) P=0.579, while hazard ratio for new HCC foci was 1.002 (0.998, 1.005) P=0.373. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the two groups (wait time <42 versus ≥42 days) for survival estimates for local tumour progression P=0.346, and for new HCC P=0.680. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that delay in HCC ablative therapy is not associated with significant risk of local tumour progression, or new HCC foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yuxuan Ong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhong Yun Lee
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Uei Pua
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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49
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Tang A, Neeman E, Vuong B, Arasu VA, Liu R, Kuehner GE, Savitz AC, Lyon LL, Anshu P, Seaward SA, Patel MD, Habel LA, Kushi LH, Mentakis M, Thomas ES, Kolevska T, Chang SB. Care in the time of COVID-19: impact on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in a large, integrated health care system. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 191:665-675. [PMID: 34988767 PMCID: PMC8731186 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES To delineate operational changes in Kaiser Permanente Northern California breast care and evaluate the impact of these changes during the initial COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place period (SiP, 3/17/20-5/17/20). METHODS By extracting data from institutional databases and reviewing electronic medical charts, we compared clinical and treatment characteristics of breast cancer patients diagnosed 3/17/20-5/17/20 to those diagnosed 3/17/19-5/17/2019. Outcomes included time from biopsy to consultation and treatment. Comparisons were made using Chi-square or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS Fewer new breast cancers were diagnosed in 2020 during the SiP period than during a similar period in 2019 (n = 247 vs n = 703). A higher percentage presented with symptomatic disease in 2020 than 2019 (78% vs 37%, p < 0.001). Higher percentages of 2020 patients presented with grade 3 (37% vs 25%, p = 0.004) and triple-negative tumors (16% vs 10%, p = 0.04). A smaller percentage underwent surgery first in 2020 (71% vs 83%, p < 0.001) and a larger percentage had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (16% vs 11%, p < 0.001). Telehealth utilization increased from 0.8% in 2019 to 70.0% in 2020. Times to surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were shorter in 2020 than 2019 (19 vs 26 days, p < 0.001, and 23 vs 28 days, p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS During SiP, fewer breast cancers were diagnosed than during a similar period in 2019, and a higher proportion presented with symptomatic disease. Early-stage breast cancer diagnoses decreased, while metastatic cancer diagnoses remained similar. Telehealth increased significantly, and times to treatment were shorter in 2020 than 2019. Our system continued to provide timely breast cancer treatment despite significant pandemic-driven disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Elad Neeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, San Francisco Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, USA
| | - Brooke Vuong
- Department of Surgery, South Sacramento Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, USA
| | - Vignesh A Arasu
- Department of Radiology, Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, Vallejo, USA
| | - Raymond Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, San Francisco Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Gillian E Kuehner
- Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, Vallejo, USA
| | - Alison C Savitz
- Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center, Walnut Creek, USA
| | - Liisa L Lyon
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Prachi Anshu
- Department of Surgery, Fremont Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Fremont Medical Center - 39400 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA
| | - Samantha A Seaward
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, USA
| | - Milan D Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center, South San Francisco, USA
| | - Laurel A Habel
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Lawrence H Kushi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Margaret Mentakis
- Department of Surgery, South Sacramento Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, USA
| | - Eva S Thomas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, USA
| | - Tatjana Kolevska
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, Vallejo, USA
| | - Sharon B Chang
- Department of Surgery, Fremont Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Fremont Medical Center - 39400 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA.
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50
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Kamal M, Baudo M, Shmushkevich S, Geng Y, Hanna E, Goepfert RP, Lewis CM, Rahouma M. COVID-19 infection and its consequences among surgical oncology patients: A systematic analysis, meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Surg Oncol 2022; 125:813-823. [PMID: 35014703 PMCID: PMC9015254 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26787] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We conducted this meta‐analysis to address the outcomes in cancer patients after oncologic surgery during COVID‐19 pandemic. The primary endpoint was the COVID‐19–related mortality rate. Higher body mass index was significantly and negatively associated with higher all‐cause mortality and in‐hospital COVID‐19 infection rates. Male sex, preoperative respiratory disease, and smoking history were positively and significantly associated with increased all‐cause mortality rates. Furthermore, male sex was positively and significantly associated with the COVID‐19 infection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Kamal
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Massimo Baudo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Shon Shmushkevich
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Yimin Geng
- Division of Education & Training, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ehab Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ryan P Goepfert
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carol M Lewis
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mohamed Rahouma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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