COVID-19 testing trends: Pre-radiation and throughout cancer care
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice
; 2022.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-1740387
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Patients presenting for radiation therapy (RT) at a single institution were analysed regarding treatment delays and disparities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods:
The study was conducted at an urban multidisciplinary cancer centre. In April 2020, the institution's radiation oncology department implemented universal COVID-19 screening protocols prior to RT initiation. COVID-19 testing information on cancer patients planned for RT from 04/2020 to 01/2021 was reviewed. Trends of other lifetime COVID-19 testing and overall care delays were also studied.Results:
Two hundred and fifty-four consecutive cancer patients received RT. Median age was 63 years (range 24-94) and 57·9% (n = 147) were Black. Most (n = 107, 42·1%) patients were insured through Medicare. 42·9% (n = 109) presented with stage IV disease. One (0·4%) asymptomatic patient tested positive for COVID-19 pre-RT. The cohort received 975 lifetime COVID-19 tests (median 3 per patient, range 1-18) resulting in 29 positive test results across 21 patients. Sixteen patients had RT delays. Identifying as Hispanic/Latino was associated with testing positive for COVID-19 (p = 0·015) and RT delay (p = 0·029).Conclusion:
Most patients with cancer planned for RT tested negative for COVID-19 and proceeded to RT without delay. However, increased testing burden, delays in diagnostic workup and testing positive for COVID-19 may intensify disparities affecting this urban patient population. © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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