Lessons Learned in Managing Patients with Colorectal Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Curr Treat Options Oncol
; 22(10): 93, 2021 08 23.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1368525
ABSTRACT
OPINION STATEMENT The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rapidly and dramatically shift our medical priorities and decision making. With little literature or experience to rely on, the initial priority was to minimize patient exposure to the hospital and to others. It remains unclear whether cancer patients are at higher risk of infection or serious complications, or if it is our traditional therapies that place them to be at higher risk. By far, the greatest negative impact was on screening. Routine colonoscopies were considered elective, and as a result, delays in diagnosis will be felt for years to come. The most positive changes were the incorporation of tele-visits, increased use of oral therapies, alterations in treatment schedules of both chemotherapy and radiation, and an increased emphasis on neoadjuvant therapy. These too will be felt for years to come. The colorectal cancer medical community has responded collaboratively and effectively to maintain treatment and to optimize outcomes for our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Colorectal Neoplasms
/
Colonoscopy
/
Telemedicine
/
Early Detection of Cancer
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Traditional medicine
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Curr Treat Options Oncol
Journal subject:
Neoplasms
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S11864-021-00888-3
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