The impact of Covid-19 pandemic in the treatment of head and neck cancer: A semi-annual analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.930Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Radiotherapy, Head and neck cancer.Abstract
Objectives: Access impact of the pandemic in the management of head and neck cancer (H&N) in 2020 (A), by comparison with 2019 (B); identify mismatches between treatment proposed and treatment performed (MTPP) and access locoregional response.
Study Design: Observational, unicentric and retrospective study.
Materials and Methods: H&N treated by Radiotherapy (RT) ± systemic therapy, that completed treatments between March- September 2020, compared to homologous period in 2019.
Results: 227 patients (A=128; B=99). Comparative analysis between A and B showed, respectively: 6.3% and 3.0% did not start treatment (p=0.132); 15.8% and 11.5% have postponed treatment (p=0.516); 39.2% (27.5% from pandemic-related issues) and 60.4% interrupted treatment (p=0.006); 14.2% (11.8% by coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) and 10.4% did not complete treatment. Greater MTPP and progression after treatment in 2020. More local recurrences and deaths recorded in 2019.
Conclusions: Patients in 2020 showed more advanced disease, greater MTPP and a higher progression after treatment.
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