The WERA cancer center matrix: Strategic management of patient access to precision oncology in a large and mostly rural area of Germany.

PURPOSE: Providing patient access to precision oncology (PO) is a major challenge of clinical oncologists. Here, we provide an easily transferable model from strategic management science to assess the outreach of a cancer center. METHODS: As members of the German WERA alliance, the cancer centers in Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg and Augsburg merged care data regarding their geographical impact. Specifically, we examined the provenance of patients from WERA´s molecular tumor boards (MTBs) between 2020 and 2022 (n = 2243). As second dimension, we added the provenance of patients receiving general cancer care by WERA. Clustering our catchment area along these two dimensions set up a four-quadrant matrix consisting of postal code areas with referrals towards WERA. These areas were re-identified on a map of the Federal State of Bavaria. RESULTS: The WERA matrix overlooked an active screening area of 821 postal code areas - representing about 50 % of Bavaria´s spatial expansion and more than six million inhabitants. The WERA matrix identified regions successfully connected to our outreach structures in terms of subsidiarity - with general cancer care mainly performed locally but PO performed in collaboration with WERA. We also detected postal code areas with a potential PO backlog - characterized by high levels of cancer care performed by WERA and low levels or no MTB representation. CONCLUSIONS: The WERA matrix provided a transparent portfolio of postal code areas, which helped assessing the geographical impact of our PO program. We believe that its intuitive principle can easily be transferred to other cancer centers.

Quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy: a tertiary care hospitalbased study from Karachi.

The quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients is of paramount concern due to the enduring effects of chemotherapy on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of life. This study aims to examine the factors influencing QoL among cancer patients. A cross-sectional analysis encompassing 200 chemotherapy patients aged 18 and above was conducted, using self-reported surveys and clinical records. The results indicate higher social wellbeing and lower physical well-being scores. Significantly, patients in joint families, with income above Rs25,000, limited pre-diagnosis check-ups, over four chemotherapy cycles, showed better QoL. Engaging diversions like art and internet usage alleviated worries. Conversely, comorbidities correlated with lower FACT-G scores. QoL is still compromised, even with the developments of advanced cancer treatments. Managing mental, emotional, social, and physical health is vital. Future research should focus on evidence-based policies, innovative strategies, psychiatric assessments, mindfulness interventions, and exploring the impact of social interactions on QoL, aiming to enhance the wellbeing of newly diagnosed cancer patients.

Health-related quality of life among adult patients with cancer in Uganda - a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in adults with cancer in Uganda. METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed 385 adult patients (95% response rate) with various cancers at a specialised oncology facility in Uganda. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the Luganda and English languages. Predetermined validated clinical thresholds were applied to the instrument in order to identify patients with poor health-related quality of life, that is, functional impairments or symptoms warranting concern. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in six subscales: Physical Function, Role Function, Emotional Function, Social Function, Pain and Fatigue. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 48 years. The majority self-reported poor functioning ranging between 61% (Emotional Function) to 79% (Physical Function) and symptoms (Fatigue 63%, Pain 80%) at clinically concerning levels. These patients were more likely to be older, without formal education and not currently working. Being an inpatient at the facility and being diagnosed with cervical cancer or leukaemia was a predictor of poor health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Improvement of cancer care in East Africa requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses various challenges specific to the region. Such strategies include investment in healthcare infrastructure, for example, clinical guidelines to improve pain management, and patient education and support services.

Main findings: The majority of adult patients attending specialized cancer care in Uganda report impaired physical and emotional functioning, and pain, at levels that merit clinical concern.Added knowledge: The large proportion of in- and outpatients with poor self-reported health-related quality of life indicates supportive care needs, exceeding corresponding figures from high-income settings.Global health impact for policy and action: Improvement of cancer care in East Africa requires a comprehensive approach that should include investment in healthcare infrastructure, e.g. clinical guidelines to improve pain management, and patient education and support services.

PErspective and current status of Radiotherapy Service in IRan (PERSIR)-1 study: assessment of current external beam radiotherapy facilities, staff and techniques compared to the international guidelines.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) is an essential treatment modality against cancer and becoming even more in demand due to the anticipated increase in cancer incidence. Due to the rapid development of RT technologies amid financial challenges, we aimed to assess the available RT facilities and the issues with achieving health equity based on current equipment compared to the previous reports from Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey arranged by the Iran Cancer Institute's Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC) was sent to all of the country's radiotherapy centers in 2022. Four components were retrieved: the reimbursement type, equipment, human resources, and patient load. To calculate the radiotherapy utilization rate (RUR), the Lancet Commission was used. The findings were compared with the previous national data. RESULTS: Seventy-six active radiotherapy centers with 123 Linear accelerators (LINACs) were identified. The centers have been directed in three ways. 10 (20 LINACs), 36 (50 LINACs), and 30 centers (53 LINACs) were charity-, private-, and public-based, respectively. Four provinces had no centers. There was no active intraoperative radiotherapy machine despite its availability in 4 centers. One orthovoltage X-ray machine was active and 14 brachytherapy devices were treating patients. There were 344, 252, and 419 active radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapy technologists, respectively. The ratio of LINAC and radiation oncologists to one million populations was 1.68 and 4.10, respectively. Since 2017, 35±5 radiation oncology residents have been trained each year. CONCLUSION: There has been a notable growth in RT facilities since the previous reports and Iran's situation is currently acceptable among LMICs. However, there is an urgent need to improve the distribution of the RT infrastructure and provide more facilities that can deliver advanced techniques.

The Impact of COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions on Clinical Cancer Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of visitor restrictions on clinical cancer nurses, their roles and duties, and the coping strategies used to address the impact. DATA SOURCES: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted through purposive sampling with nurses working in a clinical role within cancer services at the study site for at least 1 year. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Textual data transcribed from interviews were analyzed for themes using NVivo version 12 software, following Braun and Clarke's six phases of thematic analysis. CONCLUSION: Visitor restrictions implemented due to COVID-19 had a significant impact on clinical cancer nurses. The study found evidence of moral injury and conflict-within the role of the nurse, the implementation of organizational policies, and nurses' professional identity and personal beliefs. Despite this adversity, nurses remained committed to their clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Changes to nurses' roles and the practice environment have potentially significant impact on well-being and retention. To ensure that nurses can continue to provide high-quality nursing care in challenging environments, organizations must minimize this impact. Consistent communication and support activities, including recognizing and responding appropriately to situations, may be used in the reduction of potential moral injury and stress.

Barreras y facilitadores de la atención en salud de personas con cáncer en una comuna del norte de Chile: reporte cualitativo

Introducción: Los pacientes oncológicos constituyen un grupo vulnerable de la población por la fragilidad que les provoca la enfermedad. Consultada la literatura se describen problemas en el acceso a la atención en salud Objetivo: Analizar las barreras y facilitadores de acceso que afectan a personas con cáncer en una comunidad del norte de Chile Metodología: Se abordó desde el paradigma interpretativo, metodología cualitativa y enfoque análisis de contenido según Bardin. La muestra fue intencionada y consideró cuatro pacientes con cáncer y cuatro familiares cuidadores. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad y se utilizó una parrilla de preguntas orientadoras. Se contó con autorización de un comité de ética de investigación acreditado Resultados: Se identificaron barreras de a) disponibilidad, b) accesibilidad, c) psicosociales y d) burocráticas, y facilitadores en e) redes de apoyo y f) estrategias de prevención Conclusiones: Las barreras de disponibilidad son especialmente importantes para los pacientes, ya que se asocian a un déficit de oferta de servicios oncológicos oportunos. Destacan las redes de grupos de autoayuda como facilitador del proceso terapéutico. La identificación de barreras y facilitadores contribuye a mejorar las estrategias de acción, para una mejor atención de pacientes oncológicos

Introdução: Os pacientes oncológicos constituem um grupo vulnerável da população devido à fragilidade causada pela doença. Após consulta à literatura, são descritos problemas no acesso aos cuidados de saúde Objetivo: Analisar as barreiras e os facilitadores de acesso que afetam as pessoas com câncer em uma comuna no norte do Chile Metodologia: Foi abordado a partir do paradigma interpretativo, metodologia qualitativa enfocada em análise de conteúdo segundo Bardin. A amostra foi intencional e considerou quatro pacientes com câncer e quatro cuidadores familiares. Foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade e utilizada uma grade de perguntas orientadoras. Foi obtida autorização de um comitê de ética em pesquisa credenciado Resultados: Foram identificadas barreiras de a) disponibilidade, b) acessibilidade, c) psicossociais e d) burocráticas, e facilitadores em e) redes de apoio e f) estratégias de prevenção Conclusões: As barreiras de disponibilidade são especialmente importantes para os pacientes, uma vez que estão associadas a um déficit na oferta de serviços oncológicos oportunos. As redes de grupos de autoajuda destacam-se como facilitadores do processo terapêutico. A identificação de barreiras e facilitadores contribui para aprimorar estratégias de ação para um melhor atendimento aos pacientes oncológicos

Introduction: Cancer patients constitute a vulnerable group of the population due to the fragility caused by the disease. After consulting the literature, problems in access to health care are described. Objective: Analyze the access barriers and facilitators that affect people with cancer in a commune in northern Chile. Methodology: It was approached from the interpretive paradigm, qualitative methodology, and content analysis approach according to Bardin. The sample was intentional and considered four patients with cancer and four family caregivers. In-depth interviews were conducted, and a grid of guiding questions was used. Authorization was obtained from an accredited research ethics committee Results: There were identified a) availability, b) accessibility, c) psychosocial and d) bureaucratic barriers, and facilitators in e) support networks and f) prevention strategies. Conclusions: Availability barriers are especially important for patients since they are associated with a deficit in the supply of timely oncological services. Networks of self-help groups stand out as facilitators of the therapeutic process. The identification of barriers and facilitators contributes to improving action strategies for better care of cancer patients

Caracterización de los pacientes oncológicos que ingresan por comorbilidades en el Hospital Universitario «Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau» / Characterization of cancer patients admitted for comorbidities at "Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau" University Hospital

Introducción Según datos de la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS), el cáncer se ha convertido en una de las primeras causas de muerte a nivel mundial debido al aumento progresivo, si no existe control de su propagación. La valoración conjunta del paciente por parte de distintos especialistas que asumen su abordaje desde diferentes perspectivas, siempre mejora la atención de los mismos y en el caso del paciente oncológico no es una excepción. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes oncológicos que ingresaron por comorbilidades en el Hospital Universitario «Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau» de la provincia Villa Clara. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el Hospital Universitario «Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau», de enero a diciembre del 2020, mediante la revisión documental de las historias clínicas al egreso. Resultados: En el sexo femenino, en pacientes de 60 años y más, predominaron los tumores de pulmón, mama y colorrectal, y en el sexo masculino, de pulmón, próstata y hemolinfopoyético El tumor de pulmón fue la localización más frecuente, predominó entre las comorbilidades, las neumonías en pacientes del sexo femenino, mayores de 60 años. Los pacientes ingresados por Diabetes Mellitus, presentaban una enfermedad estable, seguidos por los que se encontraban en progresión, los que ingresaron con insuficiencia cardiaca, presentaban tumor en pulmón o laringe. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que ingresaron por tener tumor de pulmón se asociaron a mayor número de complicaciones y egresos fallecidos. Recomendamos perfeccionar la atención integral de estos pacientes por oncólogos e internistas.

ABTRACT Introduction: according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide due to its progressive increase, if there is no control of its spread. The joint assessment of the patients by different specialists who assume their approach from different perspectives always improves their care and in the case of cancer patients this is not an exception. Objective: to characterize cancer patients admitted for comorbidities at "Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau" University Hospital in Villa Clara province. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at "Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau" University Hospital from January to December 2020, through documentary review of the medical records at discharge. Results: females aged 60 years and over predominated; lung, breast, and colorectal tumours predominated in this gender, as well as lung, prostate, and hemolymphopoietic tumours in males. Lung tumour was the most frequent location; pneumonia prevailed among the comorbidities, in females older than 60 years. Patients admitted for diabetes mellitus had a stable disease, followed by those who were in progression; those who were admitted with heart failure had a lung or larynx tumour. Conclusions: patients admitted for having a lung tumour were associated with a greater number of complications and deaths at discharge. We recommend improving a comprehensive care of these patients by oncologists and internists.

An evidence-base for the implementation of hospital-based palliative care programs in routine cancer practice: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite global support, there remain gaps in the integration of early palliative care into cancer care. The methods of implementation whereby evidence of benefits of palliative care is translated into practice deserve attention. AIM: To identify implementation frameworks utilised in integrated palliative care in hospital-based oncology services and to describe the associated enablers and barriers to service integration. DESIGN: Systematic review with a narrative synthesis including qualitative, mixed methods, pre-post and quasi experimental designs following the guidance by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (PROSPERO registration CRD42021252092). DATA SOURCES: Six databases searched in 2021: EMBASE, EMCARE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Ovid MEDLINE searched in 2023. Included were qualitative or quantitative studies, in English language, involving adults >18 years, and implementing hospital-based palliative care into cancer care. Critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality and rigour. RESULTS: Seven of the 16 studies explicitly cited the use of frameworks including those based on RE-AIM, Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions and WHO constructs of health service evaluation. Enablers included an existing supportive culture, clear introduction to the programme across services, adequate funding, human resources and identification of advocates. Barriers included a lack of communication with the patients, caregivers, physicians and palliative care team about programme goals, stigma around the term 'palliative', a lack of robust training, or awareness of guidelines and undefined staff roles. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation science frameworks provide a method to underpin programme development and evaluation as palliative care is integrated within the oncology setting.

Central nervous system tumors in patients coming from areas of conflict in the Middle East/North Africa region: an experience from King Hussein Cancer Center.

Introduction: The global cancer burden has been disproportionately shifting towards low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Limited availability and accessibility to screening, treatment and surveillance, increase in the prevalence and lack of control of risk factors, and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructures have greatly contributed to the disparity in the global cancer burden. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included adult and pediatric patients with an established diagnosis of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors including brain or spinal tumors of which different demographic, clinical characteristics, and financial burden were presented. Results: 749 patients were included stemming from various countries in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region including Libya (34.2%), Palestine (19.8%), Iraq (15.4%), Syria (14.6%) Yemen (14.5%), and Sudan (1.5%). Most patients were adults (66%) with a median age of 34-year-old. 104 patients had died (13.9%), 80 patients were still alive (10.7%) and most of the patients (n= 565, 75.5%) were lost to follow-up. The added cost of managing these patients is 10,172,935 Jordanian Dinars (JOD), with King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) covering around 34.3% of the total cost. Conclusion: Our study aimed at taking a closer look at patients coming from areas of conflict in the MENA region diagnosed and treated for CNS tumors at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) over a 12-year period. It was found that even with the contributions of the Jordanian sources almost half of the patients were faced with the entire financial burden of treatment alone.

Health professionals' preferences with the use of pegfilgrastim on-body injector at oncology centers in 8 cities in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia associated with some chemotherapy regimens can lead to potentially fatal complications and high health care costs. Administration of pegfilgrastim using an On-Body Injector (OBI) may be more convenient for cancer patients and physicians in countries with limited access to high-complexity healthcare. This study aims to describe physician and nurse preferences regarding different options for administration of pegfilgrastim at cancer centers, the chemotherapy schemes for which pegfilgrastim is most frequently prescribed and how healthcare providers prioritize certain administration schemes according to patients' access to healthcare services. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study and survey, conducted between 2019 and 2020, to describe physician and nurse preferences regarding options for administration of pegfilgrastim at cancer centers, the demographics of the study population and characteristics of participating cancer centers. It included 60 healthcare professionals practicing at oncology centers from 8 cities in Colombia who were contacted and surveyed via telephone. Quantitative continuous variables were summarized using central tendency and dispersion measures. RESULTS: It was found that 35% of participants are haemato-oncologists, oncologists or hematologists, 30% are general practitioners, and 35% are other healthcare professionals (i.e., nurse, oncology nurse and head nurse). Our study shows that 48% of physicians prefer the use of OBI, particularly in the scheme of 24 h after myelosuppressive chemotherapy administrations. Regardless of patient frailty and travel time to the clinic, over 90% of healthcare providers (HCPs) prefer to prioritize preventing the patient from having to return to the clinic for pegfilgrastim administration as well as to increase healthcare staff availability through the use of OBI. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first one in Colombia that sought the reasons behind HCPs' choice to use OBI pegfilgrastim. Our results indicate that most professionals prefer to avoid the patient having to re-enter the care center for pegfilgrastim administration to facilitate access to healthcare for patients; patient characteristics and ease of transport are determining factors for respondents when choosing an option for drug administration. We found OBI is the preferred alternative by most HCPs and a good resource optimization strategy in the context of cancer patients' health care in Colombia.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient visit volume in cancer patients: Results of COMETA multicenter retrospective observational study.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on first and follow-up visits for cancer outpatients. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective observational study involving three Comprehensive Cancer Care Centers (CCCCs): IFO, including IRE and ISG in Rome, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, and IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II in Bari) and one oncology department in a Community Hospital (Saint'Andrea Hospital, Rome). From 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, we evaluated the volume of outpatient consultations (first visits and follow-up), comparing them with the pre-pandemic year (2019). Results were analyzed by quarter according to the Rt (real-time indicator used to assess the evolution of the pandemic). IFO and IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II were "COVID-free" while AUSL-IRCCS RE was a "COVID-mixed" Institute. Depending on the Rt, Sain't Andrea Hospital experienced a "swinging" organizational pathway (COVID-free/ COVID-mixed). Results: Regarding the "first appointments", in 2020 the healthcare facilities operating in the North and Center of Italy showed a downward trend. In 2021, only AUSL-IRCCS RE showed an upward trend. Regarding the "follow-up", only AUSL IRCCS RE showed a slight up-trend in 2020. In 2021, IFO showed an increasing trend, while S. Andrea Hospital showed a negative plateau. Surprisingly, IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II in Bari showed an uptrend for both first appointment and follow-ups during pandemic and late pandemic except for the fourth quarter of 2021. Conclusions: During the first pandemic wave, no significant difference was observed amongst COVID-free and COVID-mixed Institutes and between CCCCs and a Community Hospital. In 2021 ("late pandemic year"), it has been more convenient to organize COVID-mixed pathway in the CCCCs rather than to keep the Institutions COVID-free. A swinging modality in the Community Hospital did not offer positive results in term of visit volumes. Our study about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on visit volume in cancer outpatients may help health systems to optimize the post-pandemic use of resources and improve healthcare policies.

Oncology in Mozambique: Overview of the Diagnostic, Treatment, and Research Capacity.

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries worldwide, with nearly two thirds of the population living below the poverty line. Similarly to other less developed countries, there is a weak provision of health care for non-communicable diseases due to competing priorities with infectious diseases. Although the leading causes of death in Mozambique in 2019 were Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory infections and tuberculosis, with increasing urbanization and westernization of lifestyles, deaths attributed to cancer are also on the rise. This review summarizes cancer burden, cancer prevention and screening, cancer care resources, and trends in cancer training and research in Mozambique, providing a background for the development of cancer care policies in the country.

Reseña histórica de la revista ONCOLOGÍA (Ecuador) / Historical review of the journal ONCOLOGÍA (Ecuador)

La revista Oncología (Ecuador) es una revista médica de acceso abierto que se publica cuatrimestralmente por la Sociedad de Lucha contra el Cáncer del Ecuador (SOLCA). La revista fue fundada en 1993 y publica artículos originales, revisiones bibliográficas, artículos especiales, casos clínicos y cartas al editor en el campo de la oncología.La revista Oncología (Ecuador) está indexada en las siguientes bases de datos: Latindex, LILACS, DOAJ, tiene un comité editorial internacional que está compuesto por expertos en oncología de todo el mundo. Los manuscritos enviados a la revista son revisados por pares.La revista Oncología (Ecuador) es una importante fuente de información para los profesionales de la salud que trabajan en el campo de la oncología.

The journal Oncología (Ecuador) is an open-accessmedical journal published quarterly by the Society for the Fight against Cancer of Ecuador (SOLCA). The journal was founded in 1993 and publishes original articles, literature reviews, special articles, clinical cases,and letters to the editor in the field of oncology.The journal Oncología (Ecuador) is indexed in the following databases: Latindex, LILACS, and DOAJ, which havean international editorial board that is made up of oncology experts from around the world. Manuscripts submitted to the Journal are peer-reviewed.The JpurnalOncología (Ecuador) is an essentialsource of information for health professionals working in oncology

Critical assessment of resource waste in staging and follow-up of breast cancer

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a public health problem with both high incidence and cure rates. After treatment, patients are monitored for long periods of time due to the risk of recurrence. Thus, staging and follow-up strategies should consider not only the best results for the patient but also its costs for the public health system. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantify the waste of resources on breast cancer follow-up and evaluate its impact on the public health system. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive medical records to identify the intervals between consultations and tests used for staging and during the first 2 years of follow-up of patients with breast cancer treated at a public hospital in Brazil. Data were compared with the guidelines of the main international consensus. RESULTS: Medical records of 60 consecutive patients treated in 2018 were selected, of whom 52 had 2 or more years of follow-up, and 8 had only 1 year of complete follow-up. A total of 34 patients (56.67%) underwent excessive examinations for stating. During follow-up, 125 surplus consultations were performed (33.6%). In this phase, 111 surplus exams were also performed, representing an increase of 100.9%. A total of 423 laboratory tests were performed for 18 patients in the first year and 229 tests for 14 patients in the second year. CONCLUSION: Excessive tests and consultations significantly burdened the Unified Health System without any benefit to patients. Better adherence to staging and follow-up recommendations could reduce costs and optimize the limited resources used in the public health system.

Respuesta en la atención del cáncer durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Colombia: gestión en clínicas y hospitales / Cancer Care Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Colombia: Management in Clinics and Hospitals / Resposta no atendimento ao câncer durante a pandemia de COVID-19 na Colômbia: gestão em clínicas e hospitais

Introducción. El principal reto en la atención del cáncer durante la pandemia causada por la COVID-19 fue asegurar la oportunidad en el diagnóstico y tratamiento a cerca de 100,000 casos nuevos de cáncer al año en Colombia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la respuesta de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud sobre su gestión en los servicios para la atención de la patología oncológica en el primer semestre del año 2020. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo y transversal tipo encuesta sobre la caracterización de los pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19, la capacidad instalada, la atención integral del cáncer, la implementación de telesalud/telemedicina y el apoyo institucional durante la pandemia. Participaron veinticinco prestadores con servicio de cirugía oncológica y quimioterapia o radioterapia. Resultados. El 56% de prestadores reportó pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19. Todos reportaron cambios de gestión en la capacidad resolutiva ante la pandemia: el 76% acondicionó infraestructura y dispositivos, el 84% adoptó la telesalud/telemedicina y el 92% recibió asistencia en planes de acción. El 48% de las instituciones prestadoras evidenciaron una disminución en el tamizaje de cáncer. Discusión. Este estudio evidencia que la emergencia de la pandemia obligó a apresurar los esfuerzos de infraestructura y recursos en las entidades oncológicas de Colombia. Los resultados obtenidos en la disminución de tamización de cáncer a nivel nacional se equiparán con los datos reportados por distintos países, incluyendo la región de las Américas. Conclusión. Los hallazgos evidencian la necesidad de mejorar la capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud en escenarios de emergencia sanitaria que eviten el retraso en la atención y las acciones en salud pública del cáncer.

Introduction. The main challenge in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic was to ensure the timelines of diagnosis and treatment of nearly 100,000 new cancer cases per year in Colombia. The objective of this research was to know the response of the Health Service Provider Institutions on their management of services for cancer care in the first semester of the year 2020. Methodology. Descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-type study on the characterization of cancer patients with COVID-19, installed capacity, comprehensive cancer care, telehealth/telemedicine implementation, and institutional support during the pandemic. Twenty-five providers with oncological surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy services participated. Results. Fifty-six percent of providers reported cancer patients with COVID-19. Everyone reported management changes in pandemic response capacity: 76% upgraded infrastructure and devices, 84% adopted telehealth/telemedicine and 92% received assistance in action plans. Forty-eight percent of the provider institutions showed a decrease in cancer screening. Discussion. This study shows that the emergency of the pandemic forced to rush the efforts of infrastructure and resources in the oncological entities of Colombia. The results obtained in the decrease of cancer screening nationally will be equated with the data reported by different countries, including the Americas region. Conclusion. The findings show the need to improve the response capacity of the health care system in health emergency scenarios to avoid delays in cancer care and public health actions.

Introdução. O principal desafio no tratamento do câncer durante a pandemia causada pelo COVID-19 foi garantir oportunidade no diagnóstico e tratamento de quase 100,000 novos casos de câncer por ano na Colômbia. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer a resposta das Instituições Prestadoras de Serviços de Saúde sobre sua gestão nos serviços para atendimento de patologia oncológica no primeiro semestre do ano de 2020. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo e transversal do tipo enquete sobre caracterização de pacientes oncológicos com COVID-19, capacidade instalada, atenção integral ao câncer, implantação de telessaúde/telemedicina e apoio institucional durante a pandemia. Participaram vinte e cinco prestadores de serviços de cirurgia oncológica e quimioterapia ou radioterapia. Resultados. 56% dos provedores relataram pacientes oncológicos com COVID-19. Todos relataram mudanças de gestão na capacidade de resposta diante da pandemia: 76% adaptaram infraestrutura e dispositivos, 84% adotaram telessaúde/telemedicina e 92% receberam assistência em planos de ação. 48% das instituições prestadoras apresentaram uma diminuição no rastreamento do câncer. Discussão. Este estudo mostra que a emergência da pandemia obrigou a acelerar os esforços de infraestrutura e recursos nas entidades oncológicas da Colômbia. Os resultados obtidos na redução do rastreamento do câncer em nível nacional são equivalentes com os dados relatados por diferentes países, incluindo a região das Américas. Conclusão. Os achados mostram a necessidade de melhorar a capacidade de resposta do sistema de saúde em cenários de emergência sanitária que evitem atrasos no atendimento e nas ações de saúde pública para o câncer.

Palestinian Patients with Cancer at King Hussein Cancer Center.

Background: The Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) routinely refers Palestinian patients with cancer to King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), the largest cancer center in the Middle East. Aims: We aimed to describe the characteristics of Palestinian patients with cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all Palestinian patients with cancer who were treated at KHCC during 2018 and 2019, of which demographic and clinical characteristics were presented. Results: We initially started with 521 cases, out of which 41 (7.9%) cases were excluded due to misdiagnosis as malignant on pathology review. We included 480 patients with a confirmed diagnosed of cancer. Most patients were adults (88.8%) with a mean age of 50.0 ± 15.0 years ranging from 19 to 87 years. The most common cancer sites in adult men, who comprised 46.9% of the cohort were the hematolymphoid system (23.5%), followed by the digestive system (17.5%), and lung and pleura (11.5%). In women (53.1%), the most common cancer sites were the breast (46.0%), followed by the digestive system (15.0%), and the hematolymphoid system (10.2%). Children and adolescents accounted for 11.3% of the total cases, among which the hematolymphoid system was the most common cancer site (50%), followed by the brain (14.8%). About 36.0% of all patients presented with advanced-stage disease (i.e., distant metastasis). Conclusion: The most common cancer sites in our cohort are generally similar to data from the Palestinian territories. Many patients presented with advanced-stage disease, which signals the need for awareness campaigns and screening programs. Benign tumors are misdiagnosed in many patients as cancer. The limited resources and facilities including human resources remain important challenges to the proper and timely diagnosis and management of cancer among Palestinians living in the Palestinian Territories.

Extracolonic findings at CT colonography in an oncological hospital setting and why they matter.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and clinical outcome of unknown extracolonic findings in patients with cancer who underwent CT colonography (CTC). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent CTC from February 2000-April 2016 for any indication were retrospectively included. One radiologist blinded to clinical data determined C-RADS classification for all extracolonic findings on CTC reports as follows: E1: normal examination or anatomic variant, E2: clinically unimportant, E3: likely unimportant, incompletely characterized, and E4: potentially important. Another radiologist performed an unblinded review of medical records and determined if E4 findings were previously known or new, and classified new E4 findings as clinically important or unimportant on follow-up. RESULTS: Of 855 patients, 686/855 (80.2%) had a normal examination or clinically unimportant extracolonic findings (E1 and E2) and 169/855 (19.8%) had E3-E4 extracolonic findings [99/855 (11.6%) patients had known E4 findings and 102/855 (11.9%) patients had new E4 findings]. On follow-up, among new E4 findings, 71/855 (8.3%) patients had clinically important findings, 66/855 (7.7%) had a malignant outcome previously unknown by the referring physician, and 5/855 (0.6%) had other complications, including bowel obstruction and cirrhosis. Regarding new oncological findings, new extracolonic primary tumors were detected in 13/855 (1.5%) patients, corresponding to 12.7% (13/102) of the new E4 findings. The proportion of new E4 findings on CTC with and without intravenous contrast was not significantly different [41/320 (12.8%) vs 61/535 (11.4%), p = 0.612]. CONCLUSION: Among oncological patients, detection of new significant E4 extracolonic findings at CTC occurred in 8.3% of all cases, including unknown cancers in 1.5%.