Assessing the Impact Of COVID-19 On Head and Neck Cancer Treatment and Preparing for The Next Wave
Daga, K. Argus, L. Goswami, J.
Daga, K.
Argus, L.
Goswami, J.
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Abstract
Introduction: As of 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organization
(WHO) declared the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. It
is estimated that urgent cancer referrals have reduced 70-89% across
hospitals in England during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to
reductions in attendance for the different treatment arms. The aim of
our investigation is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on MDT outcomes
and patients attending/receiving treatment as compared to before for
head and neck cancer.
Method: Data was collected retrospectively over a period of 203 days
(7th January to 28th July 2020), including 66 patients prior to COVID-19
being declared a pandemic and 116 patients since, at a regional cancer
centre. A total of 182 patients undergoing treatment were identified.
These patients were assessed by TNM staging, MDT outcomes and final
initial treatment intents, which were compared to pre-COVID outcomes.
Results: With respect to MDT outcomes, there was an increase in the
number of patients decided for surgery from 10.61% to 23.28% (p ¼ 0.78)
during the first wave of the pandemic. Patients decided for radiotherapy and chemotherapy increased by 12.49% and 4.31% respectively.
Notably, there was a decrease in further investigations and referrals
from 37.88% to 18.10%. Moreover, an increase in palliative treatment intent by 10.55% was noted during the pandemic.
Conclusions: As the UK enters into the next peak of the pandemic,
with reduced capacity for elective surgery and outpatient clinics, it is
essential to consider its impact on the standard of care delivered to current cancer patients.
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Description
Date
2021
Publisher
Collections
Keywords
Type
Meetings and Proceedings
Citation
Daga K, Argus L, Goswami J. Assessing the Impact Of COVID-19 On Head and Neck Cancer Treatment and Preparing for The Next Wave. British Journal of Surgery. 2021;108.