Choosing Wisely Philippines: ten low-value or harmful practices that should be avoided in cancer care.

The Choosing Wisely Philippines campaign is an initiative that identifies low-value or potentially harmful practices that are relevant to patients with cancer in the Philippines. The main purpose of these initiatives is to facilitate quality improvement systems and maximise patient outcomes. Of the ten practices identified, four are new recommendations, and six are modified adaptations from previous Choosing Wisely initiatives in the USA and Africa. Recommendations in the final list include interventions involving diagnosis (two practices), treatment (five practices), palliative and supportive care (two practices) and surveillance (1 practice).

The role of the medical oncologist in the holistic care of patients with cancer in the Philippines.

In the past decade, cancer care in the Philippines has advanced in response to the complex heterogeneity inherent to the disease and the constantly increasing number of patients. Central to this development is the increased awareness and universal acceptance of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in providing cancer care to optimize outcomes where medical oncologists play a vital role. This position paper summarizes the unique and multifaceted roles of the medical oncologist in ensuring that the best possible care is given to patients with cancer by actively participating in the whole spectrum of the patient's journey-from diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, until providing palliative care and addressing end-of-life issues.

Updated general recommendations in cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.

In May 2020, the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology published its initial recommendations on the treatment of cancer patients during the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. The objective of this update is to provide answers to the questions pertaining to the diagnostic testing of SARS-CoV-2 for both cancer patients and healthcare professionals caring for cancer patients, as well as the recommended protective measures and practices that may be instituted in healthcare facilities.

Treatment of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in cancer care around the world due to logistical and psychosocial reasons. This paper was written with the primary objective of providing a guide for medical oncologists in addressing concerns in the management of adult patients with solid tumours in the Philippines and for those working under similar circumstances. These recommendations are divided into prioritisation of cancer care, ensuring a safe work environment, organising the transition of cancer care, and maintaining cohesion in a time of isolation.