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1.
PLoS One ; 18(4): e0281815, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2302012

ABSTRACT

We have recently been witnessing that our society is starting to heal from the impacts of COVID-19. The economic, social and cultural impacts of a pandemic cannot be ignored and we should be properly equipped to deal with similar situations in future. Recently, Monkeypox has been concerning the international health community with its lethal impacts for a probable pandemic. In such situations, having appropriate protocols and methodologies to deal with the outbreak efficiently is of paramount interest to the world. Early diagnosis and treatment stand as the only viable option to tackle such problems. To this end, in this paper, we propose an ensemble learning-based framework to detect the presence of the Monkeypox virus from skin lesion images. We first consider three pre-trained base learners, namely Inception V3, Xception and DenseNet169 to fine-tune on a target Monkeypox dataset. Further, we extract probabilities from these deep models to feed into the ensemble framework. To combine the outcomes, we propose a Beta function-based normalization scheme of probabilities to learn an efficient aggregation of complementary information obtained from the base learners followed by the sum rule-based ensemble. The framework is extensively evaluated on a publicly available Monkeypox skin lesion dataset using a five-fold cross-validation setup to evaluate its effectiveness. The model achieves an average of 93.39%, 88.91%, 96.78% and 92.35% accuracy, precision, recall and F1 scores, respectively. The supporting source codes are presented in https://github.com/BihanBanerjee/MonkeyPox.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Monkeypox , Skin Diseases , Humans , Monkeypox virus , Disease Outbreaks , Hydrolases
2.
Brachytherapy ; 22(3): 343-351, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2257330

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide educational support to brachytherapy users during the COVID-19 pandemic, online workshops were developed and implemented by BrachyAcademy, non-profit peer-to-peer educational initiative in Elekta. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In 2021-2022 two online workshops were organized. Participating teams had to send a clinical case of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) including brachytherapy Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files and questions to the faculty. During the workshop, feedback was given to each clinical case by five faculty members (two Radiation Oncologists, one Radiologist, two Medical Physicists). Participants competed a post-workshop questionnaire which included combination of qualitative and quantitative questions via yes/no responses, Likert scale, and 1 to 10 scale. RESULTS: Twenty-one teams from eight countries (Europe, Asia, Latin America) participated in two online workshops. The total number of participants was 49. The clinical cases represented LACC with The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages from IB3 to IVA. During both, Workshop1 (W1) and Workshop 2 (W2) the following areas of improvement were identified: familiarity with the GEC ESTRO and The International Commission on Radiation Units & Measurements, Report 89 (ICRU 89) recommendations for contouring and planning based on clinical drawings and MRI sequencing choice; appropriate applicator selection; experience with interstitial needles; appropriate applicator reconstruction; dose optimization. The participants rated both workshops with overall scores 8,3 for W1, and 8,5 for W2. In 82% participants the training course fully met expectations for W1, and in 76% in W2. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully implemented the online workshops on image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) in LACC. Main performance issues and areas for improvement were identified based on multidisciplinary discussion of participant's clinical cases through all steps of the brachytherapy procedure. We encourage teams to consider online workshops in addition to hands-on training.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Radiotherapy, Image-Guided , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Brachytherapy/methods , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Pandemics , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Radiotherapy Dosage
3.
Brachytherapy ; 22(2): 125-131, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2255021

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Brachytherapy (BT) for cervix cancer was listed as a level I priority and reduced number of implants and multiple fractions were recommended during COVID-19 pandemic. We present early clinical outcome of this approach. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy and BT with single implant and multiple fractions BT were included. Treatment protocol included 3-5 fractions of 5-8.5 Gy with an aim to achieve point A dose of 70 Gy EQD210Gy (or HRCTV dose of >80 Gy EQD210Gy) in those undergoing intracavitary (IC) and HRCTV dose >85 Gy EQD2 10Gy in patients undergoing Intracavitary-Interstitial (IC/IS) whereas maintaining bladder (B2cc), rectum (R2cc), sigmoid (S 2cc) doses of 90, 75, and 75 Gy EQD23Gy. Time to event analysis was used to report oncological endpoints. Toxicity was reported using crude proportions. RESULTS: From April 2020 to March, 2021, 64 patients with stage IB2-IV received single implant and multi-fraction BT after external radiation of 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. Only 76.7% (n = 49) received concurrent chemotherapy. Median overall treatment time (OTT) was 56 days (38-131 days). Overall, 62.5% (n = 40) patients received IC and 37.5% (n = 24) received IC+IS. The median HRCTV was 34.7 cc (IQR 25-41). Median (IQR) point A dose, HRCTV D90, B2cc, R2cc, and S2cc for those undergoing IC was 74 Gy (71-78), 80 Gy (73-84), 86 Gy (82-89), 70 Gy (65-74), 65 Gy (59-73) respectively. For the IC+IS cohort, HRCTV D90, B2cc, R2cc, and S2cc was 84 Gy (78-89 Gy), 89 Gy (86-92), 70 Gy (67-74), 68 Gy (59-76). At a median follow-up of 16 months (5-27) the 2-year local control, pelvic control, cause specific and overall survival was 88%, 85.3%, 92.2%, and 81.3% respectively. Late gastrointestinal and genitourinary grade ≥III toxicities were 14% and 1.5% each. CONCLUSIONS: Abbreviated BT outcomes are encouraging for oncological outcomes despite delays in overall treatment time and omission of chemotherapy. Further mature follow up is needed.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Brachytherapy/methods , Radiotherapy Dosage , Pandemics , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods
4.
Radiat Oncol ; 18(1): 54, 2023 Mar 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2282579

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Utero-vaginal brachytherapy (BT) is an irreplaceable care component for the curative treatment of locally advanced cervix cancer (LACC). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-image guided adaptive BT (IGABT) using the GYN-GEC-ESTRO EMBRACE guidelines is the international care standard. Usually following chemo-radiation therapy (CRT), IGABT has high proven utility in LACC but requires significant health system resources. Timely access was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic which challenged us to re-design our established IGABT care pathway. METHODS: From April 2020 consecutive patients with LACC were enrolled after CRT in a single arm exploratory non-inferiority study of a modified IGABT (mIGABT) protocol. This delivered an iso-effective IGABT dose (39.3 Gy: EQD2: α/ß10Gy concept) over a 24-h period during a single overnight hospitalisation. RESULTS: Fourteen LACC patients received mIGABT from April 2020 to March 2022. Median age was 62.5 years (37-82 years). LACC histology was primary squamous (9/14) or adeno-carcinoma (5/14). International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 stages ranged from IB1/2 (N = 3), IIA1/IIB (5), IIIB (2), IIIC1/2 (4) with mean ± standard deviation (SD) gross tumour volume-at-diagnosis (GTV_D) of 37.7 cc ± 71.6 cc. All patients achieved complete metabolic, clinical, and cytologic cancer response with CRT and IGABT. High-risk HPV was cleared by 6-months. Complete MRI-defined cancer response before mIGABT (GTV_Fx1) was seen in 77% of cases (10/13). Only two women developed metastatic disease and one died at 12-months; 13 patients were alive without cancer at mean 20.3 ± 7.2 months follow-up. Actuarial 2-year overall survival was 93%. Compared with our pre-COVID IGABT program, overall mIGABT cost-saving in this cohort was USD 22,866. Prescribed dose covered at least 90% (D90) of the entire cervix and any residual cancer at time of BT (HRCTV_D90: high-risk clinical target volume) with 3-fractions of 8.5 Gy delivered over 24-h (22.8 ± 1.7 h). Total treatment time including CRT was 38 days. The mIGABT schedule was well tolerated and the entire cohort met EMBRACE recommended (EQD2: α/ß10Gy) combined HRCTV_D90 coverage of 87.5 ± 3.7 Gy. Similarly, organ-at-risk (OAR) median: interquartile range D2cc constraints (EQD2: α/ß3Gy) were EMBRACE compliant: bladder (65.9 Gy: 58.4-72.5 Gy), rectum (59.1 Gy: 55.7-61.8 Gy), and sigmoid colon (54.6 Gy: 50.3-58.9 Gy). ICRU recto-vaginal point dose was significantly higher (75.7 Gy) in our only case of severe (G4) pelvic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the utility of mIGABT and VMAT CRT in a small cohort with LACC. Loco-regional control was achieved in all cases with minimal emergent toxicity. Single insertion mIGABT was logistically efficient, cost-saving, and patient-centric during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Brachytherapy/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pandemics , Radiotherapy Dosage , Treatment Outcome , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over
5.
Brachytherapy ; 22(2): 146-156, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2280319

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of treating cervical cancer patients with MRI-guided brachytherapy (MRgBT) using 24 Gy in 3 fractions (F) versus a standard, more resource-intensive regimen of 28 Gy in 4F, and its ability to meet EMBRACE II planning aims. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective review of 224 patients with FIGO Stage IB-IVA cervical cancer treated with 28 Gy/4F (n = 91) and 24 Gy/3F (n = 133) MRgBT between 2016-2021 was conducted. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to compare dosimetric parameters between the two groups, adjusting for CTVHR and T stage. RESULTS: Most patients had squamous cell carcinoma, T2b disease, and were treated with intracavitary applicator plus interstitial needles (96%). The 28 Gy/4F group had higher CTVHR (median 28 vs. 26 cm3, p = 0.04), CTVIR D98% (mean 65.5 vs. 64.5 Gy, p = 0.03), rectum D2cm3 (mean 61.7 vs. 59.2 Gy, p = 0.04) and bladder D2cm3 (81.3 vs. 77.9 Gy, p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients meeting the EMBRACE II OAR dose constraints and planning aims, except fewer patients treated with 28 Gy/4F met rectum D2cm3 < 65 Gy (73 vs. 85%, p = 0.027) and ICRU rectovaginal point < 65 Gy (65 vs. 84%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer patients treated with 24 Gy/3F MRgBT had comparable target doses and lower OAR doses compared to those treated with 28 Gy/4F. A less-resource intense fractionation schedule of 24 Gy/3F is an alternative to 28 Gy/4F in cervix MRgBT.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Radiotherapy Dosage , Brachytherapy/methods , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Dose Fractionation, Radiation , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods
6.
PLoS One ; 18(3): e0282631, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2253733

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates whether gold and silver can be considered safe havens by examining their long-run linkages with 13 stock price indices. More specifically, the stochastic properties of the differential between gold/silver prices and 13 stock indices are analysed applying fractional integration/cointegration methods to daily data, first for a sample from January 2010 until December 2019, then for one from January 2020 until June 2022 which includes the Covid-19 pandemic. The results can be summarised as follows. In the case of the pre-Covid-19 sample ending in December 2019, mean reversion is found for the gold price differential only vis-à-vis a single stock index (SP500). whilst in seven other cases, although the estimated value of d is below 1, the value 1 is inside the confidence interval and thus the unit root null hypothesis cannot be rejected. In the remaining cases the estimated values of d are significantly higher than 1. As for the silver differential, the upper bound is 1 only in two cases, whilst in the others mean reversion does not occur. Thus, the evidence is mixed on whether these precious metals can be seen as safe havens, though it appears that this property characterises gold in a slightly higher number of cases. By contrast, when using the sample starting in January 2020, the evidence in favour of gold and silver as possible safe havens is pretty conclusive since mean reversion is only found in a single case, namely that of the gold differential vis-à-vis the New Zealand stock index.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Humans , Silver , Gold , Pandemics
7.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 5629, 2023 04 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2248248

ABSTRACT

Governments implemented many non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to suppress the spread of COVID-19 with varying results. In this paper, country-level daily time series from Our World in Data facilitates a global analysis of the propagation of the virus, policy responses and human mobility patterns. High death counts and mortality ratios influence policy compliance levels. Evidence of long-term fatigue was found with compliance dropping from over 85% in the first half of 2020 to less than 40% at the start of 2021, driven by factors such as economic necessity and optimism coinciding with vaccine effectiveness. NPIs ranged from facial coverings to restrictions on mobility, and these are compared using an empirical assessment of their impact on the growth rate of case numbers. Masks are the most cost-effective NPI currently available, delivering four times more impact than school closures, and approximately double that of other mobility restrictions. Gathering restrictions were the second most effective. International travel controls and public information campaigns had negligible effects. Literacy rates and income support played key roles in maintaining compliance. A 10% increase in literacy rate was associated with a 3.2% increase in compliance, while income support of greater than half of previous earnings increased compliance by 4.8%.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Face , Fatigue , Policy
8.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 20(2)2023 Jan 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2200065

ABSTRACT

Because COVID-19 is a respiratory and cardiovascular disease, understanding behaviors that impact cardiopulmonary health, such as tobacco use, is particularly important. While early studies suggested no change in prevalence of tobacco use as COVID-19 emerged, pandemic fatigue, shifting levels of COVID-19 transmission, and vaccine availability have all changed since the start of the pandemic. The current study examined whether time, COVID-19 surges, and/or vaccination status were associated with likelihood of daily and non-daily tobacco use over the first 24 months of the pandemic. Data were obtained from electronic health records of healthcare visits (n = 314,787) to four Southern California VA healthcare systems. Multinomial logistic regression analyses indicated that the likelihood of reporting both daily and non-daily tobacco use (versus non-use) increased over time. Daily and non-daily tobacco use were less common at visits that occurred during COVID-19 surges, as well as among veterans vaccinated against COVID-19. Our findings provide new insight into changes of tobacco use patterns and correlates across the first two years of this pandemic, and understanding these associations may facilitate understanding of health-related behaviors and inform clinical treatment of tobacco use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Humans , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Tobacco Use/epidemiology , Vaccination
9.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 20(2)2023 Jan 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2166571

ABSTRACT

As COVID-19 spread throughout the world, the hospitality and tourism sectors were hard hit as no other industry. For this reason, the UNWTO developed the One Planet Vision as a response to a sustainable recovery of the tourism sector. At present, when people are starting to travel and stay at hotels again, it is important to analyze what their expectations are of hotels to move forward in the post-pandemic era. For instance, empirical research has been developed to examine people's sentiments toward servicescapes, and a comparative study is presented between 2020 and 2022. Findings contribute to the research by identifying new servicescape attributes during a health crisis. These also lead to practical implications by proposing a scale to evaluate customers' perceptions and to increase their wellbeing and resilience. The current research is one of the first studies to collaborate with the One Planet Vision by empirically proposing improvements in the servicescapes of hotels for a responsible recovery.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics/prevention & control , Empirical Research , Industry
10.
Brachytherapy ; 21(3): 362-368, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1719398

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout among brachytherapy specialists and to identify factors associated with burnout. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was administered to non-trainee physician members of the American Brachytherapy Society. Burnout was evaluated using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Demographic and practice-specific questions were collected from respondents. Univariate and multivariable analysis of outcomes were performed using probabilistic index models. RESULTS: Overall, 51 of 400 physicians responded (13% response rate). Fifty-seven percent of respondents demonstrated at least one symptom of professional burnout. However, only 6% of respondents met strict criteria for high burnout. Analysis of the individual MBI-HSS subdomains demonstrated higher subscale scores for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, but also higher scores for personal accomplishment. On multivariable analysis after adjusting for increased feelings of burnout due to the COVID-19 pandemic or total hours of work per week, younger age was associated with both increased subscale scores for emotional exhaustion (p = 0.026) and lower personal accomplishment (p = 0.010). Lastly, nearly half of all respondents (47%) reported increased feelings of burnout due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents from academic facilities were significantly more likely to report increased burnout due to COVID-19 compared to those from non-academic facilities (odds ratio, 7.04; 95% CI 1.60-31.0; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 60% of brachytherapists demonstrated symptoms of professional burnout, which is higher than other radiation oncology groups (academic chairs, program directors, residents). Managing stressors related to workload, COVID and support for junior physicians are potential areas for improving feelings of burnout.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Physicians , Brachytherapy/methods , Burnout, Professional/diagnosis , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Job Satisfaction , Pandemics , Prevalence , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States/epidemiology
11.
Dermatol Ther ; 35(3): e15276, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1583589

ABSTRACT

In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is important to ensure the quality of cancer treatment as well as patients and health professionals' safety. Individual-based treatment options should be considered in patients with advanced epithelial skin cancer, who are typically elderly and frail. Aim of this study was to assess feasibility and safety of Contact Skin Radiation Therapy (CSRT) to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Patients with advanced and difficult-to-treat BCC or SCC were discussed at skin multidisciplinary tumor board (S-MDTB) from February the 21st to May the 4th (phase 1 Italian Pandemic) and retrospectively analyzed. Patient's triage following internal recommendations was daily performed. CSRT was delivered in 8 fractions of 5 Gy each, twice a day. Beyond the clinical outcomes, treatment success indicators, such as the completion of CSRT without SARS-CoV-2 occurrence, were identified to evaluate the feasibility of CSRT during pandemic. A post-treatment psychological assessment regarding patient's safety perception was performed. Six male patients (median age 80 years; range 62-92) with histologically confirmed BCC or SCC were treated with CSRT. Complete clinical remission was achieved in 5/6 patients (83.4%). No high-grade acute toxicities occurred during treatment. No patients or healthcare personnel developed SARS-CoV-2 infection. All the treatment success indicators were achieved. CSRT represents a safe, and feasible treatment option even during the pandemic emergency period. Hypofractionation could be an option to reduce total number of fractions and, consequently, infective risk exposition.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , COVID-19 , Skin Neoplasms , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Skin Neoplasms/therapy
12.
Anticancer Res ; 41(9): 4407-4410, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1395530

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many patients with gynecological malignancies receive postoperative radiotherapy, which can lead to fear and sleep disorders. We aimed to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for sleep disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients assigned to radiotherapy for gynecological malignancies were retrospectively evaluated. Seventeen characteristics were analyzed for associations with pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders including age, Karnofsky performance score, Charlson comorbidity index, history of additional malignancy, family history of gynecological cancer, distress score, emotional, physical or practical problems, tumor site/stage; chemotherapy, treatment volume, brachytherapy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders was 46.8%. Sleep disorders were significantly associated with Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (p=0.012), greater number of physical problems (p<0.0001), and advanced primary tumor stage (p=0.005). A trend was found for greater number of emotional problems (p=0.075). CONCLUSION: Pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders are common in patients with gynecological malignancies, particularly in those with specific risk factors. Patients should be offered early psychological support.


Subject(s)
Genital Neoplasms, Female/radiotherapy , Genital Neoplasms, Female/surgery , Radiotherapy, Adjuvant/methods , Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology , Adult , Brachytherapy , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Genital Neoplasms, Female/pathology , Genital Neoplasms, Female/psychology , Humans , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sleep Wake Disorders/etiology , Treatment Outcome
13.
BMJ Case Rep ; 13(12)2020 Dec 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1177537

ABSTRACT

Radiation-induced spinal glioblastoma is an extremely rare disease with only four previously published reports in the literature. We report the fifth case, a 69-year-old woman who previously underwent treatment with brachytherapy for cervical cancer, and thereafter presented with neurologic deficits from a conus medullaris tumour. Biopsy and histopathology confirm glioblastoma, not otherwise specified. Treatment of spinal glioblastoma consists of surgery, either biopsy or excision and chemoradiation. However, results are still unsatisfactory and prognosis remains poor.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy/adverse effects , Glioblastoma/diagnosis , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/diagnosis , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Aged , Biopsy , Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures , Female , Glioblastoma/etiology , Glioblastoma/pathology , Glioblastoma/surgery , Humans , Laminectomy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/etiology , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/pathology , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/surgery , Spinal Cord/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Cord/pathology , Spinal Cord/radiation effects , Spinal Cord/surgery , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/etiology , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/pathology , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/surgery
14.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 24(23): 12480-12489, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-995004

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 disease is one of the biggest public health challenges in Italy and global healthcare facilities, including radiotherapy departments, faced an unprecedented emergency. Cancer patients are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection because of their immunosuppressive state caused by both tumor itself and anticancer therapy adopted. In this setting, the radiation therapy clinical decision-making process has been partly reconsidered; thus, to reduce treatment duration and minimize infection risk during a pandemic, hypofractionated regimens have been revised. Moreover, telemedicine shows its helpfulness in the radiotherapy field, and patients get the supportive care they need minimizing their access to hospitals. This review aims to point out the importance of hypofractionated RT and telemedicine in cancer patient management in the COVID-19 era.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radiation Dose Hypofractionation , Radiation Oncology/methods , Radiotherapy/methods , Telemedicine/methods , Bone Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Bone Neoplasms/secondary , Brachytherapy/methods , Brain Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Brain Neoplasms/secondary , Breast Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Clinical Decision-Making , Delivery of Health Care , Female , Humans , Male , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Prostatic Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radiosurgery/methods , Radiotherapy, Conformal/methods , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/methods , SARS-CoV-2 , Time-to-Treatment
15.
Expert Rev Anticancer Ther ; 21(3): 251-255, 2021 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-963084

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Oncologists have an arduous task of weighing the urgency of treating cancer patients against risk for COVID-19 exposure, especially in low resource countries, where there is shortage of radiation equipment, personnel as well as resources to deal with the crisis. Strategic planning to control the spread of infection is critical in this susceptible patient population as well as healthcare workers involved in radiation delivery.Areas covered: We reviewed all the available literature and present feasible strategies for sustainable and continued care of cancer patients amidst this pandemic.Expert opinion: Further research is warranted to maintain and improve survival outcomes for cancer patients in spite of necessary restrictions.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Brachytherapy , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19 Testing , Delivery of Health Care/methods , Developing Countries , Humans , Patient Education as Topic , Physical Distancing , Radiation Oncologists
16.
Brachytherapy ; 20(1): 279-283, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-733925

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: COVID-19 broke out in late 2019 and rapidly spread around the world and became a pandemic. This highly contagious disease affects routine health care services and patients with cancer who are susceptible to it. Delivering brachytherapy on time is critical for patients with cancer to get better prognosis. The purpose of this study is to present workflow and standard for radiation centers to deliver brachytherapy and avoid cross-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study combined previous literature and guidelines of precaution with clinical experience in the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A workflow covering patients' screening, health care workers' precaution, training, and other aspects of the whole brachytherapy procedure was established. CONCLUSIONS: From the reopening of radiation center to mid-May in 2020, there is no hospital infection of COVID-19 in patients or health care workers. This recommendation is effective and helpful to other cancer centers.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy/methods , COVID-19/prevention & control , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radiation Oncology/organization & administration , Workflow , Cancer Care Facilities , China , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Environment Design , Health Personnel , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/prevention & control , Pandemics , Practice Guidelines as Topic , SARS-CoV-2
18.
Brachytherapy ; 20(1): 284-289, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-695371

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic presents serious challenges for brachytherapists, and in the time-sensitive case of locally advanced cervical cancer, the need for curative brachytherapy (BT) is critical for survival. Given the high-volume of locally advanced cervical cancer in our safety-net hospital, we developed a strategy in close collaboration with our gynecology oncology and anesthesia colleagues to allow for completely clinic-based intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This technical report will highlight our experience with the use of paracervical blocks (PCBs) and oral multimodal analgesia (MMA) for appropriately selected cervical ICBT cases, allowing for completely clinic-based treatment. RESULTS: 18 of 19 (95%) screened patients were eligible for in-clinic ICBT. The excluded patient had significant vaginal fibrosis. 38 of 39 intracavitary implants were successfully transitioned for entirely in-clinic treatment utilizing PCBs and oral MMA (97% success rate). One case was aborted due to inadequate analgesia secondary to a significantly delayed case start time (PO medication effect diminished). 95% of patients reported no pain at the conclusion of the procedure. The median (IQR) D2cc for rectum and bladder were 64.8 (58.6-70.2) Gy and 84.1 (70.9-89.4) Gy, respectively. Median (IQR) CTV high-risk D90 was 88.0 (85.6-89.8) Gy. CONCLUSIONS: In a multidisciplinary effort, we have successfully transitioned many ICBT cases to the clinic with the use of PCB local anesthesia and oral multimodality therapy in direct response to the current pandemic, thereby mitigating exposure risk to patients and staff as well as reducing overall health care burden.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures/methods , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Anesthesia, Local/methods , Anesthesia, Obstetrical/methods , Brachytherapy/methods , Pain, Procedural/prevention & control , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Anti-Anxiety Agents/therapeutic use , Antiemetics/therapeutic use , COVID-19 , Female , Gabapentin/therapeutic use , Humans , Hydromorphone/therapeutic use , Ibuprofen/therapeutic use , Lorazepam/therapeutic use , Organs at Risk , Pain, Procedural/drug therapy , Pandemics , Promethazine/therapeutic use , Radiotherapy Dosage , Rectum , SARS-CoV-2 , Urinary Bladder , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology
19.
Brachytherapy ; 19(4): 401-411, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-164931

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to highlight the importance of timely brachytherapy treatment for patients with gynecologic, breast, and prostate malignancies, and provide a framework for brachytherapy clinical practice and management in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We review amassing evidence to help guide the management and timing of brachytherapy for gynecologic, breast, and prostate cancers. Where concrete data could not be found, peer-reviewed expert opinion is provided. RESULTS: There may be a significant negative impact on oncologic outcomes for patients with gynecologic malignancies who have a delay in the timely completion of therapy. Delay of prostate or breast cancer treatment may also impact oncologic outcomes. If a treatment delay is expected, endocrine therapy may be an appropriate temporizing measure before delivery of radiation therapy. The use of shorter brachytherapy fractionation schedules will help minimize patient exposure and conserve resources. CONCLUSIONS: Brachytherapy remains a critical treatment for patients and may shorten treatment time and exposure for some. Reduced patient exposure and resource utilization is important during COVID-19. Every effort should be made to ensure timely brachytherapy delivery for patients with gynecologic malignancies, and endocrine therapy may help temporize treatment delays for breast and prostate cancer patients. Physicians should continue to follow developing institutional, state, and federal guidelines/recommendations as challenges in delivering care during COVID-19 will continue to evolve.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy , Breast Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Genital Neoplasms, Female/radiotherapy , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Prostatic Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Dose Fractionation, Radiation , Female , Humans , Male , SARS-CoV-2 , Time-to-Treatment
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