Effect of SARS-CoV-2 on management of paediatric blood malignancy: A regional cancer centre study

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic. The purpose of this study to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on management of Paediatric blood malignancies. Methods: Patients (Age <14years) of blood malignancies during the period of 3 months (March, April and May) of year 2019 and 2020 was compared for remissions rates and regular follow up. Results: Remission rates in 2020 were 56% (14 out of 25) showed remission whereas in 2019 it was 83% (24 out of 29). A striking decrease in remission rate by 26 % in 2020. The number of patients of Rajasthan (study state) also increased to 7%. Loss of follow up cases in 2019 was 4% (1in 25) in comparison to 24% (6 in 29) in 2020(a rise by 20 %). Conclusions: There has been a negative impact in remission rate of blood malignancies admist the pandemic of COVID-19. Editorial acknowledgement The author would like to thank the doctors and support staff of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Institute, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Legal entity responsible for the study Medical Oncology Department, ATRCTRI, S.P. Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.